"Personally", even though I'm in Central IL (Z5), I mulch all of my
perennials every late fall with maple leaves. (And yes, I know I'm supposed
to use any kind of leaf except maple because they tend to mat so badly. I
don't pack them, I just let them land where they may when I rake them into
the garden.)

Then around mid-end of March I start pulling the leaves off - a bit at a
time (just in case we happen to get a late season cold snap).

Cheryl
"mmarteen" wrote in message
...
I am technically in zone 4a, Minneapolis, MN USA but this winter has been
very odd. In fact, of the 7 winters I have endured in this fair city each
has been fairly unique. 3 winters had barely any snow. One was extremely
mild, temperature wise and the other two had at least 2 weeks of hideously
cold weather, with temps well below 0, and in the 20s and 30s below with
windchill, so very cold and very windy. I have been very lucky with the
perennials that I have planted and haven't really mulched them. I have a
nice hidcote lavender that has come back every year. I am less certain
this
year because of the bitter temps with no snow cover. I'll use it as a
test
case. I don't really grow any tender perennials, to keep maintenence low.

I am wondering what I should do for the future in my new garden (we are
moving this spring). Should I plan to mulch every year in Oct? Our
coldest
weather generally doesn't show itself until January. Could I wait until
Dec. and mulch if the snow cover is too light or is this too risky? What
do
other people do?

And what is the best bang for the buck on mulch for these conditions? I've
heard that leaves generates mold, as does straw/hay. Bark mulches are
kind
of expensive if you use them extensively.

mm