Hydrangeas: Expert shares one natural item to add to soil now to make them thrive next year

Hydrangeas, those sturdy plants well-equipped to brave the chill, still require prepping for the winter if we want to see luscious blooms come next year .

Although it may seem premature to cast thoughts towards the spring, getting your garden ready now is key to cultivating a dazzling floral arrangement in the following year .

Monrovias gardening gurus have imparted that providing hydrangeas with "one last hearty meal" of compost or similar organic matter in autumn is vital as mulching aids them in conserving necessary nutrients for the spring.

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They advised: "Give your hydrangeas a boost for the next growing season by adding compost to your beds in the [autumn]. After a good night's sleep, everybody feels better with a good breakfast in their belly. The same is true for hydrangeas."

"Applied now, compost can break down overwinter, making nutrients readily available in spring. Even in areas without a deep freeze, a few inches of compost is a good idea."

But why opt for mulching over fertilisation for hydrangeas in autumn?

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Introducing fertiliser to hydrangeas during autumn is ill-advised as it may provoke the growth of fragile stems and blossoms susceptible to freezing temperatures.

Tender new growth won't have sufficient time to establish before the arrival of the first frost, thus compromising the resilience of the entire plant and decreasing its chances of winter survival.

An expert gardener advised: "We're only talking compost here! Don't offer your hydrangeas nitrogen-rich fertilizers which might incline them to put out new leafy growth."

Sounds straightforward enough, doesn't it mulching your hydrangeas in the colder months?

Its all about giving the soil around your plants a cosy coat of organic matter which does a top job of keeping the roots and crown snug against the harsh winter temps.

A pro in the field mentioned: "To give hydrangeas their best chance at success, apply a layer of chunky mulch around the base of the plant. Decorative mulch is helpful but we recommend straw, marsh hay, or fallen leaves."

So, by mulching your hydrangeas, you're not just warming them up and letting them lock in nutrients, you're also fighting off weeds as the mulch on top of the soil squeezes the life out of any unwelcome green intruders.

This handy trick keeps the earth moist so once the frosty season's in full swing, you can take a break from fretting over watering or weeding.

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Want to mulch like a pro? Just hang tight until the soils firmed up and feels more like an ice rink, then slap on some compost followed by whatever mulch floats your boat.

The same expert shared: "After the ground has frozen (or in warmer zones late [autumn] or early winter) and you've top-dressed with compost."

"Apply a 6"-8" layer of mulch. This insulates plants and protects plants from the heave-ho of spring freeze/thaw cycles. This can push them right out of the soil."

But watch your timing get too keen and mulch your hydrangeas before autumn's really got its boots on, and you might just end up playing host to a bunch of pests such as rats and slugs, or even usher in some diseases.

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