Now that cold weather is settling in for the season, many gardening enthusiasts wonder how to protect their outdoor plants from the frost. Affordable Landscape Supplies, the premier mulch dealer in Burlington, KY, offers some winter mulching tips below. They specialize in sand, gravel, playground chips, and other landscaping supplies at affordable prices, and they provide same-day delivery anywhere in Boone or Kenton County.

4 Important Mulching Tips For Winter

1. Use The Proper Mulch Material

Pine straw mulch is ideal for acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, gardenias, begonias, and magnolia or beech trees. Hardwood bark mulch is better for plants that like alkaline soil, such as most herbs and vegetables, as well as flowers like zinnias, hosta, and lavender. Old hay is also great for vegetables, with the added benefit that it’s extremely cheap.

2. Mulch When Temperatures Drop Below 20 Degrees Fahrenheit

Mulching protects plants while they are dormant, so if temperatures in your area drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit regularly, mulching is important. Layer the material to a depth of about a foot for the best protection.

3. Don't Mulch If Temperatures Rarely Drop Below Freezing

Do not mulch if nighttime temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The added warmth may prevent plants from going dormant over the winter. They might instead stay active and put out new growth, which could suffer damage from overnight frost. This type of damage leads to fungal and bacterial growth, which can prove fatal to the plant.

4. Remove Mulch In Spring

Mulch must be removed when the cold weather departs. Rake it away gently so as not to damage your plants. Do not leave it in place as the weather warms; it might smother your plants or lead to crown rot.

Affordable Landscape Supplies, the most experienced dealer in sand, gravel, playground chips, and various types of mulch in Burlington, has been serving customers faithfully since 1981. Visit their website for contact and location details, or call (859) 586-9142 to speak to a friendly professional about your mulch and landscape supply needs. You can also connect with the company on Facebook.