To Protect or Not Protect ... That is the Question
The question of whether to apply a protective mulch on fruits or flowers is a question I often get this time of year. We are at the time of the year when we have had a number of nights below freezing. If you plan to cover plants with a protective layer of straw mulch, raked leaves, etc. now is the time.
Some gardeners think they are protecting the plants from freezing when in reality you are protecting the plants from thawing. It is the repeated cycle of freezing and thawing that can rip the roots off a susceptible plant. Strawberries are especially susceptible to getting heaved out of the ground in the spring time it they do not have a thick organic mulch to protect them.
Many flower gardeners are very anxious to provide protection to their whole perennial flower bed in the fall for fear that they may succumb to the ravages of the winter temperatures. While it is suggested that perennials that are going through their first winter be provided some protection from the elements, after perennials are established gardeners looking for lower maintenance gardens can eliminate this practice. It may be desirable to apply additional mulch for weed control.
Instead of trying to mulch and protect all your perennials, you may decide that you will protect one or two plants that you are trying to grow in our colder climate. Many gardeners in Piscataquis County spend a great deal of time and effort to protect roses from winter temperatures. The University of Maine and University of Vermont conducted a research project to evaluate the hardiness of various rose cultivars. All roses were protected the first winter and then received no further protection, nor were they sprayed for insects or disease. Check out the article on 15 rose cultivars to consider for home gardens.