Do I reuse mulch (mixed with soil) from the winter box to use next winter?

[PashkaTLT]

Hello,

I use a thick layer of mulch in my winter boxes and after a winter, when I take the mulch away, it's always gets mixed with soil, so it becomes half mulch/half soil.

Can I reuse this mix next winter? Or it's bad that there's a lot of soil mixed now?
As I understand, the main problem with having soil in the mix is that it doesn't let air through as well as mulch?

Should I perhaps just mix this mix with new mulch to reduce the percent of soil in the mix and improve aeration?

 

Kind regards,

Pavel

[happypalms]

On 5/4/2026 at 12:23 PM, PashkaTLT said:

Hello,

I use a thick layer of mulch in my winter boxes and after a winter, when I take the mulch away, it's always gets mixed with soil, so it becomes half mulch/half soil.

Can I reuse this mix next winter? Or it's bad that there's a lot of soil mixed now?
As I understand, the main problem with having soil in the mix is that it doesn't let air through as well as mulch?

Should I perhaps just mix this mix with new mulch to reduce the percent of soil in the mix and improve aeration?

 

Kind regards,

Pavel

You could use it on outdoor containers, but not good for indoors. If you do use it then add perlite to it for more air and drainage. But I would suggest you just add it to the new mulch you wish to use! 

[PashkaTLT]

@happypalms

Thanks for answering!

Yes, I was asking about outdoor containers, basically add it inside the winter boxes again.

I will mix it with new mulch then, to reduce the amount of soil in the mix and increase air circulation. I don't think I need to care about drainage though, because the winter boxes are sealed and no water gets inside the box into the mulch...