Evergreen State is full of mulch

Mulching wildlife plants in the fall is a good way to protect your habitat investment, and our “Evergreen State” is full of natural mulch.

The pine needles and leaves dropped by Washington’s many trees at this time of year make a great winter mulch. A four to 12-inch layer of them around the base of plants acts like building insulation or a protective blanket.

Mulch prevents alternate freezing and thawing that may heave shallow-rooted plants out of the ground, a problem especially serious with dense soils. Mulch can also protect the soil from the impact of heavy rain that can cause drainage problems.

Mulches are a labor-saving device for gardeners any time of year. A layer of needles, leaves, straw, or other mulch materials can prevent the germination of many weed seeds and reduce the need for cultivation or use of herbicides.

Mulch also improves the soil by adding organic matter as it decomposes. It also may encourage the growth of worms and other soil organisms that improve soil structure and the availability of nutrients for plants.

For more on composting autumn leaves, see http://lighterfootstep.com/autumn-leaves-are-coming-get-ready-to-compost.html.