If you’ve ever tried to keep your crops alive through the cold bite of winter, you know it’s a battle between frost and survival. Many gardeners and farmers reach for plastic mulch because it looks clean, modern, and easy—but looks can be deceiving. Straw mulch, that humble golden blanket you might associate with barns and…
organic mulch
Stop Frost Heave from Killing Young Trees — Here’s the Fix
You’ve done everything right—you picked the perfect young tree, planted it in good soil, watered it faithfully, and even gave it a name (no judgment). But then, winter hits, and before you know it, your once-thriving sapling looks like it’s trying to escape its own hole. That, my friend, is frost heave—the sneaky seasonal villain…
11 Mulching Mistakes That Can Suffocate Roots
Mulch: it’s the unsung hero of landscaping, the cozy blanket your plants rely on to stay cool in summer, warm in winter, and free of weeds year-round. But here’s the catch—mulching the wrong way can turn that helpful layer into a suffocating, root-choking disaster. Gardeners everywhere make small, innocent-looking mistakes that can slowly strangle their…
How to Spot Overwintering Insects in Mulch
Here’s the thing about winter: while you’re bundling up and sipping hot cocoa, there’s an entire hidden world beneath your feet getting cozy for the season. That soft, earthy layer of mulch around your garden beds? It’s not just keeping your plants warm—it’s the equivalent of a five-star winter resort for bugs. Many insects use…
11 Perennials That Should Always Be Mulched in Fall
As the air cools and leaves start to tumble, gardeners everywhere begin their fall rituals—raking, pruning, and tucking their flower beds in for winter. But one step that often gets skipped (or done half-heartedly) is mulching. Think of mulch as a cozy blanket for your perennials: it locks in warmth, keeps moisture steady, and prevents…
Why Straw Mulch Protects Roots in Cold Weather
When winter rolls in and the garden starts to fade, most people grab a blanket and head indoors—but your plants need one too. Beneath that layer of soil, roots are quietly doing their best to survive the icy months ahead. The problem? Frost, wind, and sudden temperature swings can spell disaster for them. Enter the…
5 Natural Mulches That Protect Roots From Frost
The temperature drops, the mornings frost over, and suddenly your once-thriving garden starts looking like it’s auditioning for a frozen food commercial. Frost is a silent plant killer—sneaking in overnight and attacking roots when they’re most vulnerable. But there’s a secret weapon that seasoned gardeners swear by: mulch. Not just any mulch, though—natural mulches that…
Why Mulching Too Early Can Damage Perennials
You finally feel it—the first warm weekend after a long, gray winter. The birds are singing, your gloves are on, and you’re ready to mulch like a pro. You grab that fresh, earthy-smelling pile of mulch and start spreading it around your flower beds, feeling productive and proud. But hold on—before you cover your perennials…
11 Trees With Leaves Worth Collecting for Mulch
There’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, the pumpkin spice, and the avalanche of leaves carpeting your yard. Most people see those leaves as a weekend chore, but savvy gardeners know they’re sitting on a goldmine. Fallen leaves, when used as mulch, can enrich your soil, lock in moisture, and reduce weeds without costing you…
How to Grow a Garden That Survives Neglect
You love the idea of a garden. The smell of fresh herbs, the pop of colors from flowers, maybe even the satisfaction of biting into a tomato you grew yourself. But then reality hits: life gets busy, watering cans get dusty, and suddenly your “green oasis” looks more like a desert wasteland. Don’t worry—neglect doesn’t…