MULCHING

Mid-Missouri’s harsh winter temperatures can damage the fibrous root systems that are present in garden plants. The root hairs in fibrous root systems exponentially increase the surface area of the roots to absorb more nutrients. These root systems are very delicate and can be damaged easily. Adding mulch to your garden beds will insulate the root systems to protect them during cold weather. Harsh winter weather is also difficult for the microbes that live in the soil to keep your plants nourished. This is especially important if you’ve added new plants to your garden. 

Weeds can grow out of control even in the fall and winter months. Adding mulch to your garden beds can dramatically shrink the number of weeds that grow in your garden. Proper mulching will create a barrier and will limit the amount of sunlight that the newly growing weeds can receive, directly harming their growth — without harming the growth of your larger existing plants. 

The correct mulch will maintain an adequate amount of moisture for your plants. Mulch will cover the soil to prevent water from leaving the ground through evaporation, as well as keep the temperature more regulated, to prevent a cycle of freezing and melting water in your soil. Winter in the Mid-Missouri can be dry at times, locking in the moisture for your plants assures that they will receive a good start for their spring growth. 

Proper mulch coverage can also keep excess water from harming your plants and soil. Heavy rain, which is common in Mid-Missouri, can hammer away at your soil and cause soil erosion and runoff. Mulch will break the fall of the rain droplets, which reduces the rain’s force when it does hit the ground. 

Adding a new layer of mulch provides a much-needed facelift to your garden in the fall months. Missouri’s hot summer dries out mulch and leaves it looking dingy and faded. Adding mulch is just like a fresh coat of paint for your garden.