Apply 3 to 5 inches of the material. After settling, the depth of the mulch should be approximately 2 to 4 inches. Allow the strawberry plants to harden or acclimate to the cool fall temperatures before mulching the bed. In northern Iowa, strawberries are normally mulched in late October to early November. Vegetable Garden Fall is an excellent time to clean and till the vegetable garden, especially if you experienced insect and disease problems.
Many plant pathogens overwinter in the garden on infected plant debris.
Removal and destruction of diseased plant debris helps in disease control. Removal of the plant debris also eliminates hiding places for some insects and helps reduce insect populations. Additionally, a fall-tilled garden dries out and warms up quicker in the spring and permits early spring planting of the cool season crops. Select large, firm, healthy bulbs at your local garden center. Avoid small, soft, or damaged bulbs.