Many plants need the extra protection that mulch can offer to survive through the winter.  To give your plants the best chance of surviving through the winter, apply mulch in the fall before the first snowfall.   This is especially important if you live in a part of the country that gets a lot of snowfall. Your perennials will do much better the following year with some extra loving care.  To get started mulching your plants, follow these simple steps:

1. Prune your perennial plants first to remove excess dead weight.  The PowerGear Bypass Pruner is an easy pruner to use and offers you smooth and precise cuts.  Some plants may be pruned down to the base.  Before you start pruning, it is a good find out what the requirements are for your specific plant.  For example, roses should not be trimmed down at this time.
2. Next, choose a mulch that will enhance the content of your soil.  Peat moss, such as Miracle-Gro Enriched Sphagnum Peat Moss, makes a great mulch for a variety of plants and has a great appearance.   You may also want to use a compost mixture or wood chips.
3. Cover your plant’s root ball completely with the mulch.  The root ball is the plant’s feeding system that may extend slightly above the ground and is usually dormant in the winter.  By covering the entire root ball, you will protect your plant’s ability to take nutrients from the soil for the upcoming growing season.  If you live in a climate that freezes over, apply about 6 inches of mulch around the base of the plant.

By using mulch on your perennial plants, you will keep your plants healthy for the next year and in addition, save you both time and money.  For all of your gardening needs, check out Backyard Style.