Question from a gardener: What should I do with the end-of-winter mulch—this ground cover made from leaves, straw, and other organic materials applied in autumn to beds, around perennials, or in the vegetable garden?
As experienced gardeners, we recommend two practical approaches:
If it looks unsightly or you need space for new plantings, grab a light rake and direct the mulch to your composter.
Or, wisely retain it for ongoing protection. Soil dwellers thrive under this cover, which shields against late cold snaps and weeds. It's also a vital food source for the teeming life in the top centimeter of soil.
For planting, simply push the mulch aside, set up your new plants, and tuck the mulch back around their bases.
Gardening doesn't have to be complicated...
Mulching with RCW
