If youre ready to master the art of winter mulching.

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When Should You Apply Winter Mulch?

But exactly when mulch should be applied depends on the types of plants youre growing and your growing zone.

mulching flower beds in the winter

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To avoid this, mulch perennials when the plants die back after the first hard freeze.

Trees and Shrubs

Like perennials, trees and shrubs should be mulched after the first hard freeze.

Mulching these plants too early may attract rodents and increase the chances of rot.

Mulching a rose

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It also clearly outlines an area around plants where you shouldn’t cut or trim grass."

Adding organic matter to the soil will help with fertility and moisture retention, Mitchell adds.

Straw mulch in vegetable garden.

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Clearly, winter mulching has many advantages and it helps plants in a number of different ways.

If you do decide to mulch these plants, apply only a light layer of mulch around their roots.

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How Much Mulch Do You Need for Winter?

Silver sedum

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Today, there are tons of natural mulches to choose from.

Thicker applications of these mulches can condense and cause drainage issues.

Thin applications of these mulches can allow weed seeds to sprout.

Straw works best as mulch for strawberries

Straw works best as mulch for strawberriesEkaterina Petruhan / Getty Images