HOW TO PROPECT AND PREPARE THE SOIL IN YOUR GARDEN IN THE WINTER

The garden needs care and protection during the winter. Protecting the garden’s soil during winter is very important for maintaining its health, structure, and microbial life. It ensures a successful growing season come spring. The best defense is applying mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, compost across all exposed areas. This protective blanket acts as an insulator. It keeps the soil temperature changing and it prevents the roots from damaging from the changing of the temperature.

Covering the soil with a cover crop offers living protection, preventing wind and water erosion while adding organic matter back into the soil as they decompose.

Straw is a good insulator for trapping air for maximum protection against freeze-thaw cycles.

Wood chips keep the plants warm in winter. It breaks down slowly, adding organic material over time.

Compost provides nutrients and promotes microbial activity throughout the winter, and enriching the soil for spring.

Keep the garden ready for the next growing season. Enjoy protecting the soil.