The author of the text is MSc. Agata Woźnicka
Every owner of a piece of land dreams of having a garden that is beautiful and well-kept, and at the same time does not require too much work. Mulching can help in pursuing this ideal.It is a procedure consisting in spreading a layer of organic or inorganic matter, i.e. mulch, on the surface of the soil.You can mulch practically everyone. It is important that the litter is sufficiently permeable to water and air, and at the same time prevents the growth of weeds.
Benefits of mulching
Bedding primarily reduces water loss by reducing evaporation. Thanks to this, we save water, which today is a scarce good and … more and more expensive.
A sufficiently thick protective layer prevents the growth of most weeds and facilitates their removal if they occur.So there is no need to use herbicides, thus 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.The soil around the roots will not suddenly freeze and thaw, and extremely high temperatures will not restrict root growth.Additionally, decomposing organic mulches enrich the soil with nutrients and prevent erosion.
All this will make the plants strong and more resistant to diseases and pests. Another benefit is, of course, that the litter and the plants look nice.The litter must be properly selected to achieve maximum benefits.
It is best to choose an available bedding (it can be easily supplemented), cheap and easy to spread (foil and agrotextile will not work in an existing garden). It is important that it is adapted to the place and function - more permeable and not durable on flower beds, resistant on paths.
 "width=585 loading=lazy |
The bedding should also look nice, so it is worth considering what colors and texture will match the style of our garden.The most popular types of bedding, their advantages and disadvantages are presented in the table above.Many other materials can also be used for mulching. The choice depends on the fantasy of the gardener.
Enrich the garden with pots!
What you should pay attention to
The thickness of the litter must be properly selected to actually limit the growth of weeds.Foil and too compact and thick litter may limit the flow of water and air.So make small holes in the foil and from time to time loosen the protective layer.
Organic mulch can reduce nitrogen availability in the soil initially. It is enough to supplement it with the appropriate fertilizer.It is important that the litter is about 15-30 cm away from the trunks of trees and shrubs.Plants can be additionally secured with a net.
