home + garden

• Remove mulch gradually in the spring, but keep some mulch handy in case emerging plants need to be covered again for a frosty night or two.

• Reuse winter mulch as mulch in the summer vegetable garden or add it to your compost pile.

Nancy Rose is a horticulturist with the University of Minnesota Extension. To ask her a gardening question, call 612-673-9073 and leave a message. She will answer questions in this column only.