Knowledgebase

Raised garden #677119

Asked November 09, 2020, 11:32 AM EST

Is it wise to cover my raised garden with plastic for the winter?

Worcester County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi- plastic is not a good choice for a garden cover because it does not allow infiltration of precipitation or benefit the soil in any way. It would be much better to cover the soil with a thick layer of mulched or shredded leaves. You can move the leaves in spring to plant seeds and transplants and then use the leaves as mulch.

Next year, consider planting a cover crop to protect and improve the raised bed soil over the winter months.

https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/cover-crops-protect-and-improve-your-soil

Jon

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied November 09, 2020, 12:35 PM EST

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