Apply bark mulch to the flowerbed

What are the advantages and disadvantages of mulching with bark mulch?

Indeed it has Mulching with bark mulch both advantages and disadvantages that should not go unmentioned. In this way, the material keeps the moisture in the soil and prevents it from drying out prematurely during dry periods. Furthermore, bark mulch reduces the occurrence of weeds on the bed, which in turn gives you a lot job saved. However, this effect should not be overestimated, because as a weed protection layer you would have to apply the bark mulch much thicker than just three to four centimeters. In addition, bark mulch is an organic material and as such rots very quickly - but it removes valuable nutrients, especially nitrogen, from the soil in the meantime. These in turn are missing from the often heavily consuming flowering bushes. The previously bound nutrients are only released again after they have rotted completely.

What do you have to pay attention to when applying bark mulch?

However, this disadvantage can be compensated for by using a suitable one before mulching Slow release fertilizer and thus ensure that the plants are adequately supplied. A thick layer of compost under the mulch material also fulfills this purpose, so that you do not necessarily have to resort to mineral fertilizers. Also, be careful not to spread the bark mulch layer too thick: three to four centimeters is more than enough. So that weeds still don't stand a chance, you should thoroughly weed the bed beforehand and, above all, remove root weeds thoroughly. By the way, you can also worry about bulb flowers (which include many typical spring bloomers) Cover with bark mulch, this layer - if not too thick - will be problem-free in spring pierce.

Alternatives to bark mulch

However, you don't necessarily have to cover the flowerbed with bark mulch. Lawn and chopped hedge cuttings as well as straw are particularly suitable for the supply of nutrients. If, on the other hand, the bed is to be designed to be easy to care for, it is advisable to create one gravel- or Stone beds.