You can apply any mulch material almost anytime of the year, although winter in Maine would be a time that probably would not be a good. A thin layer of mulch is about as good as no mulch, any mulch layer should be in the 3 to 4 inch depth range.

Whether to add some lime depends on whether your soil needs it. What is the soils pH? How much lime, and what kind, might be needed? I am aware of the many "gardeners" that tell us that northeast soils are acidic and need lime and then throw a handful of lime on the planting bed, something that really does little to change the soil pH although it may make on4e3 feel good about doing something. If Alfalfa pellets are to be used they should be put down before the mulch material.

kimmq is kimmsr

I compost as many leaves in the fall as I can, mixing with grass clippings or whatever I have, and stockpile the rest covering the veg garden beds to protect the soil from the harsh winter and early spring rains. In spring I get some more grass clippings, blend thoroughly with the leaves on a tarp, and use that for mulch for tomatoes, peppers etc. 4-6" thick. It's a good mix that stays fluffy and doesn't mat down like leaves or grass alone. It slowly decomposes feeding the garden throughout the summer. By fall it's nearly gone.

Thank you!

lazy, I was referring to a layer of mulch less that about 2 inches.
I often see people plunking down some material for a mulch thin enough so the soil under that "mulch" is still visible. That is a thin layer of mulch and does not good, except for the person that sold that mulch.

Now if one lays down newspaper or cardboard they can cover that with a layer of mulch material that is about 2 inches thick which will be about enough to hold the paper in place and hide it. However, if the mulch material is put down on soil it needs to be a minimum of 3 to 4 inches thick to be even somewhat effective.

kimmq is kimmsr