The Benefits of Proper Fall Mulching and Why

  1.   Extend the Growing Season

Mulching in fall keeps the soil warmer for a longer time which helps the root systems of your plants to grow later in to the season and become stronger.

2.     Moisture Control

This goes hand-in-hand with the moderation of soil temperature. Bare soil will heat up more quickly because it lacks the insulating layer of mulch: this will cause baked hard soil to loose moisture. Alternately, during the cool evenings in early spring, mulch will insulate the soil helping to retain daytime heat. In cold temperatures, mulch can even help to prevent frost from damaging plants and heaving them out of the ground. It will also retain moisture from the sun and wind drying out the soil.

3.     Enhanced Soil Structure

As mulch decomposes it adds organic matter back into the soil and improves the soil structure. Although it is not a substitute for fertilizer, it is an overall beneficial factor to soil fertility.

4.     Weed Control

Mulch deters the growth of weeds, reducing future maintenance of your garden beds. Mulch does NOT eliminate weeds but will reduce them tremendously. Mulch prevents weeds from getting the necessary sunlight that it needs to germinate and grow.

5.     Visual Appearance

A fresh layer of mulch enhances the curb appeal of your garden any time of the year, giving it a tidy, well-kept appearance. While many mulches use a harsh chemical dye that can be harmful to plants and soil, Herbein’s Premium Triple-Ground Dyed Mulch contains only environmentally-safe food grade coloring that is safe for kids and pets as well.

  • Bucks County Extension