Question: How should I prepare a fall garden prior to mulching it?
Answer: When all the plants in fall vegetable gardens and annual flower gardens have been harvested or are dead, garden mulching can begin. But prior to mulching gardens, take the following steps:
- Remove plant debris from gardens:
- If plant debris appears disease-free, compost it.
- Otherwise, dispose of it.
- Now you're ready for rototilling your soil (only if necessary).
- If using leaves as a garden mulch, shred them first (for example, by running the lawn mower over them before collecting them)
- Note: the frequently asked question, Why should I shred mulch leaves? is answered in the next FAQ.

