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| Mulching |
There is much said of mulches so selecting the right one might be a bit daunting.
Why use a mulch?
A mulch is applied to improve the soil around plants, conserve moisture, and (dependant upon type) keep down weed growth.
It will also give some insulation to tender and/or shallow root systems, and create a habitat for various insects* and soil organisms*.
* This includes good and bad varieties!
What type should I use?
This can depend upon whether you are influenced by organic / inorganic gardening or financial restraints.
Here are some suggestions; these are in alphabetical order and not necessarily by preference.
Organic;
Organic materials such as Chipped bark, Chopped bracken, Garden compost, Grass clippings, Green-manure, Leafmould, Manure, Spent mushroom compost*, Straw, Woodchips.
Certain organic mulches will break down and provide some nutrients and improve soil structure.
*Should not be used around ericaceous plants.
Inorganic;
Chippings (various), Gravel, Crushed glass, Crushed slate, Crushed stone, Horticultural fleece Polythene sheeting*
*Use ‘black’ to suppress weeds, ‘clear’ to warm up the ground.
Points against;
There is a greater risk of spreading pests and diseases.
Dependant on the type of mulch used, the amount of rainfall reaching the root systems can be affected.
Winter air is colder just above mulched ground than it is above bare soil.
A few simple rules when applying organic mulch around plants;
Late winter or early spring is an ideal time to apply mulch as this helps lock winter rain into the soil.
Do not mulch when soil is frozen.
Feed plants prior to mulching.
Apply mulches 75-100mm (3”-4”) deep.
Extend the layer as far as the 'drip-line' (the whole area underneath the plant's branches)
Do not allow mulch to touch the trunks, stems or crowns of plants.
Soak the ground prior to application, particularly to dry soil in dry weather.
A thick layer of dense organic mulch can actually retard spring bulbs growth by keeping soil temperatures lower than bare soil therefore a thin layer of coarse mulch or no mulch at all tends to give better results.
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