Mulching in cold weather

[ElizaDParticipant]

Hello Charles and all

I have finally had some outdoor salad plantings killed off by frost and wonder if it’s alright to clear and mulch even though it’s quite frosty out. I am in Somerset if this helps. Is there any truth about trapping cold in the soil?

By the way, my broad beans are growing well but about half a dozen or so have blackened leaves near the tips which I presume is frost damage? I trust this will not be a major problem and these plants will recover? My husband is looking forward to his harvest!

Happy new year to you and all.

Eliza

[charlesModerator]

No worries, the soil will warm up just as well, if not better, with a mulch on top, especially when it is a darker colour than the original surface, thus absorbing sunshine more readily.
I have often spread compost on frozen ground, with good results after that.
Yes the frost does singe some bean leaves, they should be ok. But you can never guarantee any crop.

[Author]

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