The Benefits of Mulching in Fall

Retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and protect plants from extreme temperatures with fall mulching.

article image
by AdobeStock/larisikstefania

Retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and protect plants from extreme temperatures with fall mulching.

One of the benefits of mulching in fall is that you can walk around in your garden on rainy days and not have three inches of sticky mud on the soles of your shoes when you come back inside.

But besides acting as an organic StainMaster, applying mulch in the fall (and mulching anytime, really) reduces water loss in soil, suppresses weed growth, and protects plants from temperature extremes — the final warm October days and first wintry November nights.

Soil Moisture Retention

Mulch’s ability to conserve soil moisture has long been documented. It may be its most universally recognized virtue. While authorities and test results differ, it is clear that moisture evaporation from soil covered with mulch is reduced anywhere from 10 to 50 percent. Whichever you accept, the water-conserving value of mulching can’t be overemphasized, especially in these times of water restrictions and shortages.

  • Updated on Sep 22, 2023
  • Originally Published on Oct 1, 1991
Tagged with: applying mulch, autumn, fall, flower bulbs, mulch, Nature and Environment, roses, soil health, Stu Campbell
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368