Advantages of mulching the substrate?
Mulching is a procedure involving the spreading of a layer of organic or inorganic matter, i.e. mulch, on the surface of the soil. You can mulch virtually anything.It is important that the material is sufficiently permeable to water and air, and at the same time prevents the growth of weeds.The litter reduces water loss by reducing evaporation. Thanks to this, we save water, which today is an increasingly expensive scarce good.
A sufficiently thick protective layer prevents the growth of most weeds and facilitates their removal. So there is no need to use herbicides, reducing the risk of chemical contamination of groundwater, soil and crops.Mulching allows the temperature around the roots to be kept cooler in summer and warmer on cool nights. Additionally, decomposing organic bedding enriches the soil with nutrients and prevents erosion.
It all makes plants stronger and more resistant to diseases and pests.The litter layer cannot be too thick, because then it ceases to fulfill its basic functions.It is assumed that bark, chips or stone should not be sprinkled over 10 cm thick. Straw litter can be up to twice as thick. The thinnest layer of sawdust litter should be (approx. 3 cm).
How to choose a cover for the garden
It is best to choose a bedding that is cheap, accessible and easy to spread. Then we can fill the cavities without any problems. Foil and agrotextile will not work well in an existing garden.It is important that the litter is adapted to the place and function - it is more permeable and not durable on flower beds, and resistant to paths.The bedding should also look nice, so it is worth considering what colors and texture will suit the garden.
The thickness of the litter must be selected so that weeds do not break through it. The foil can restrict the flow of water and air.So let's make small holes in it and loosen the protective layer from time to time.Organic mulches may initially restrict nitrogen entry in the soil. It is enough to supplement it with the appropriate fertilizer. It is important that the litter is separated from trees and shrubs by about 15-30 cm.
For litter and paths
Bark is currently the most popular mulching material. It is durable, widely available and inexpensive. It can also be used on paths. The bark of conifers and deciduous trees is suitable for mulching acidophilic plants.Raw bark is poor in nutrients and sterilizes the soil from nitrogen compounds.Composted bark (2 years) releases the most minerals into the soil from all wood litter - it does not make the soil sterile.
For a year under strawberries
Straw is commonly used for mulching vegetable beds, strawberries, young fruit trees, raspberries.This ecological bedding can be laid even several cm thick (as long as it is not shredded / ground).Straw decomposes quite quickly. As a mulch for strawberries and wild strawberries, it protects the fruit against dirt and gray mold. Rye, wheat and oat straw is best
