This page contains links outside Washington State University which provide an option for finding further information. No endorsement of products or information at these sites is implied. 2000 Fall gives gardeners great opportunities to amend soil and use mulches. Taking care of soil by applying a mulch benefits the winter garden in many ways.
Bare soil gets pounded, compacted, and washed away by winter rains.
One good way to care for streams and lakes in western Washington is to prevent soil erosion during winter. Mulches help with garden maintenance, too. Weed seeds can sprout throughout the winter, and gardeners who have fought chickweed and little bittercress in January experience real frustration. A mulch layer two to three inches thick block light from striking soil, and prevents germination for many annual weed seeds. Apply mulches after weeding and transplanting or planting spring-blooming bulbs.