A layer of mulch in the garden has many advantages regardless of where exactly it is applied. Mulch can protect paths from weeds, keep the soil loose in beds, and provide nutrients to trees or shrubs over long periods of time. Soil erosion is also successfully reduced with a layer of mulch. However, bark mulch is particularly important for weed control.
Bark mulch properties
Mulch from the bark of conifers comes from waste from the timber industry. The pieces of bark are crushed and sifted. They are available in packs with different grain sizes, which are suitable for different purposes. A large grain size is suitable for large areas, for small areas, especially between plants, smaller pieces of bark are suitable. Small bark mulch is preferred in the bed, as it releases nutrients during the rotting process.
Note: As the rotting process starts, nitrogen is consumed. If bark mulch is used in the vegetable patch, nitrogen fertilization should be carried out as soon as possible.
Rapid decomposition of the bark mulch is undesirable on paths or large areas. There larger pieces are used or wood, which is more durable.
Weeds and bark mulch
Many seed weeds are light germinators. A layer of mulch made from pieces of bark ensures that less or no light can penetrate the ground. This prevents seeds from germinating. Self
Dark germs cannot grow very well without light and can be easily pulled out due to the loose structure of the mulch. In addition to darkening, bark mulch also inhibits the growth of weeds through the tannins it contains.Note: However, these tannins can also prevent other plants from growing. It can make sense to use certain types of mulch for certain plants, such as rose mulch.
Use in the bed
Regardless of whether bark mulch is to be used on vegetables, strawberries or flowers, it must always be borne in mind that the mulch acidifies the soil and thus shifts the pH value. Some plants like this, such as blueberries, but others prefer neutral soil. The requirements of the plants on the bed must therefore be clarified beforehand. The bark mulch is then used as follows:
- Rake the bed between the plants
- The soil is loosened up in the process
- Remove any weeds and roots
- Generously distribute bark mulch with a low grain size between the plants
- A layer thickness of 5 - 10 cm is aimed for
- simultaneous application of nitrogen fertilizers
- Refill the mulch layer regularly
You can start with a thinner layer of mulch; if weeds grow through it, the layer can be reinforced at any time. in the
The bed no longer needs to be raked afterwards, otherwise the bark mulch would be sunk into the ground and protection against weeds would no longer be provided. Watering takes place directly on the plants or on the mulch. Positive properties of the mulch layer:- Protection from weeds
- reduced evaporation, less watering required
- After initial fertilization, nutrient supply over a longer period of time
- The soil remains loosened
- Soil organisms are protected from external influences
Paths and larger areas
If paths in the garden are not paved and not overgrown with grass, they should often be kept free of weeds. Bark mulch is also well suited for this. In addition, it does not matter that the pH value of the soil can drop. The same applies to larger, free areas in the garden. In addition to the coarse-grained bark mulch, weed control is also required.
- Cut weed control to the required size
- Remove weeds from paths or squares
- Level surfaces
- Lay weed control
- Apply bark mulch in a layer that is not too thick
Too much bark mulch is unnecessary here, as the weed fleece already curbs the growth of the plants. The mulch is just an additional protection and more decorative than the fleece.
Bushes
Freshly planted shrubs in particular like a layer of mulch around the root area. This prevents dehydration and prevents the weeds from growing as a competitor to the shrub. In addition, the soil area is continuously fertilized over a long period of time. Plants that prefer acidic soil particularly benefit from bark mulch. These include blueberry bushes or rhododendrons. Bark mulch can be spread on the ground when a bush is planted or later.
- Plant a shrub or bush according to the instructions
- Remove weeds from the root area of old shrubs
- Loosen the soil, take special care with shallow roots
- Spread bark mulch on the clean root area
- choose medium to large grain size
- Apply a layer about 10 cm thick
- Replace the bark mulch depending on the speed of the decomposition process
Trees
The tree grate of young trees, especially fruit trees, should be kept free of any vegetation. Older trees, on the other hand, are happy to have soil-improving plants. Bark mulch works well with weed control to keep tree grates clear. A tree has roots in roughly the same area where its crown grows. The tree grate thus corresponds to the crown diameter. As with shrubs, it is also important for trees to inquire about the soil requirements beforehand. Not all trees tolerate acidic soil, it may be necessary to use other mulch instead of bark mulch.
- Plant the tree according to the instructions, do not forget the support
- Cut the weed fleece to match the size of the tree grate
- The root area can also be made larger
- to do this, remove more soil when planting
- Cut in weed control up to the middle
- Cut holes for tree and support
- around the tree and the support rod on the ground
- Generously cover the weed control with bark mulch
- coarse grain in a thin layer is sufficient
Watering the young tree is easily possible through the fleece and the mulch. The situation is different with fertilization, especially when coarse fertilizers such as compost or rotted manure are to be used. For this, the mulch and the fleece must be removed. Then the fertilizer is worked into the surface of the soil. Then the fleece and bark mulch are re-applied.
Different mulch material
In addition to the classic bark mulch made from coniferous wood, there is also other material that is suitable for mulching. Wood chippings are cheaper and do not acidify the soil as much. Pine mulch is particularly decorative and durable. There are almost always green cuttings and weed remains in the garden. Tree or shrub cuttings are also suitable for mulching if they come from healthy plants and are chopped up into small pieces.
