The benefits of mulch
Mulch(€ 239.00 at Amazon *) combines so many advantages that it almost seems illogical for someone not to mulch. Especially on one Perennial bedthat should be retained over several years, mulch makes more than sense. The advantages include:
- Mulch protects the perennial bed from drying out
- Mulch reduces weed growth
- Mulch prevents erosion
- Mulch protects the herbaceous roots from heat in summer and from cold in winter
also read
- Create a perennial bed that is easy to care for
- Lay out and design a perennial bed
- Perennial bed in the shade: a selection of plants
How to mulch the perennial bed?
When it comes to mulch, many people also think of bark mulch, it smells good and looks fine. But mulch is more than just bark. First of all, there are two types of mulch:
- organic mulch
- mineral mulch
Organic mulch
Bark mulch belongs to organic mulch, but not only! In addition to mulch from bark, these materials can serve as mulch:
- Nutshells
- Clippings
- Sawdust
- straw
- Coconut fiber
- Pruning
- Wood scraps
- leaves
Practically all organic materials that can be used extensively can be used as mulch. That means you have to go to
Mulching Do not dig deep into your pockets, you can simply use whatever is generated in the garden.Mineral mulch
Mineral mulch are, for example, pebbles or slate. This type of mulch is particularly popular in rock gardens or on gravel beds.
When do you mulch?
You can mulch practically all year round, whenever bare earth is visible. It is important that you enrich the soil with compost before mulching in the spring to provide the perennials with sufficient nutrients. More about the Fertilize from the perennial bed you will learn here.
It makes sense, especially in autumn, when the perennials have retired, to apply an extra portion of mulch to protect the roots from frost.
Beware of mulching: the cons
Unfortunately, mulching not only has advantages, but also a few disadvantages. The mulch provides an ideal place for snails to lay eggs, so that more snails can appear in the perennial bed. On the other hand, it helps to remove all of the mulch in summer to get rid of the eggs.
You should also be careful with mulch if the moisture persists. Because mulch keeps the moisture in the soil, it can cause rot. In damp areas you should therefore only apply a very thin layer of mulch.