One of the secrets to a healthy garden in the spring starts with steps taken in early winter. One of your most important tasks is to spread a three-inch layer of mulch around the roots of all plants. Not only does mulch protect roots from the cold (and hot) temperatures, it also helps to conserve water and cuts down on the growth of weeds.

We recommend shredded hardwood or shredded cedar mulches. The added benefit of these mulches in gardening organic is that they slowly break down, adding organic matter to the soil. If you are adding mulch for the first time, I suggest you put down a one-inch layer of compost first. Pull the compost and mulch back away from the crown of the plant and make sure there is no mulch on the plant stems or foliage. If you have a reliable source of finished compost from a compost pile and/or shredded leaves, these make great mulches as well.