Ideally, I like to mulch in fall or early winter after the ground freezes, especially when I've planted bulbs, Peonies, and Irises, to lessen heaving. I also like to keep the soil cool to keep some plants from sprouting too early. The problem is, the soil doesn't always freeze here. Most years it does, but sometimes not till late winter. This has been a colder autumn than usual, so I'm wondering if the soil is cold enough go ahead and mulch? I don't want to trap in warmth and stimulate early growth, but I would love to mulch some areas where lamium and peppergrass seedlings are germinating in masses.
I typically add some mulch in spring too, but I'm unsure how I should proceed for now?
