Winter might seem like an off-season for landscaping, but it’s a crucial time to prioritize soil health. Healthy soil during winter ensures your garden, lawn, and landscaping projects thrive in spring. At Mercury Mulch, your trusted landscaping material supplier in Hampton, Virginia, we’re here to share why winter soil care matters and provide expert tips for maintaining nutrient-rich soil.
Soil is a living ecosystem teeming with microorganisms, organic matter, and nutrients vital for plant growth. Winter brings challenges like the freeze-thaw cycle, heavy rains, and bare ground, which can cause erosion, compaction, and nutrient depletion. Proper soil care during winter ensures a fertile foundation for lush, healthy spring landscaping.
Mulch plays a crucial role in winter landscaping by insulating the soil, preventing erosion, and conserving moisture.
Compost adds organic matter and nutrients, enhancing soil structure and microbial activity. Spread a layer of compost over garden beds or mix it into topsoil to replenish fertility over winter.
Cover crops like clover, rye, and vetch protect soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and add nutrients when tilled under.
Winter conditions make soil prone to compaction, which reduces water infiltration and root development. Minimize walking or using heavy equipment on wet or frozen soil. If compaction occurs, plan to aerate in early spring.
Adding a layer of nutrient-rich topsoil improves soil quality and drainage. Whether leveling low spots or rejuvenating garden beds, Mercury Mulch provides premium topsoil to meet your needs.
Winter is an optimal time to test your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Understanding your soil's requirements enables you to apply the appropriate amendments before spring planting.
Mercury Mulch specializes in delivering high-quality landscaping materials to homeowners and businesses in the Hampton Roads region. From mulch and compost to topsoil and decorative gravel, we’re your partner in maintaining healthy, beautiful landscapes year-round. With our convenient landscaping material delivery service, you can save time and focus on your projects. Don’t wait until spring to care for your soil—start now to ensure your garden is ready to flourish. Contact Mercury Mulch at (757) 219-2033 to learn more about our products!
Purdue University Extension. 2006. "Winter Mulching for Indiana Landscapes." Purdue University Extension. chrome-extension://bdfcnmeidppjeaggnmidamkiddifkdib/viewer.html?file=https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-324-W.pdf
Wang, Ruihong, Zexin Jing, Hao Luo, Shun Bao, Jingru Jia, and Xiaoyu Zhan. "Effect of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Root–Soil Composite Mechanical Properties and Slope Stability." PLOS ONE 19, no. 4 (2024): e0302409. Accessed January 19, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302409.
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