Mulch not only looks pretty, it also has a positive effect on the climate of the perennial bed. We have compiled the advantages of mulch for you and what and when to use for mulching below.

Mulch protects the perennial bed from drying out

The benefits of mulch

Mulch (€239.00) combines so many advantages that it seems almost illogical if someone does not mulch. Mulch makes more than sense, especially on a perennial bed that is to be preserved for several years. Benefits include:

  • Mulch protects the perennial bed from drying out
  • Mulch reduces weed growth
  • Mulch prevents erosion
  • Mulch protects the perennial roots from heat in summer and cold in winter

What to mulch the perennial bed with?

When it comes to mulch, many think of bark mulch at the same time, it smells good and looks nice. But mulch is more than just bark. First of all, there are two types of mulch:

  • organic mulch
  • mineral mulch

Organic Mulch

Organic mulch includes bark mulch, but not only! In addition to mulch made from bark, these materials can serve as mulch:

  • nutshells
  • grass clippings
  • sawdust
  • straw
  • coconut fibers
  • tree pruning
  • wood scraps
  • leaves

Virtually any organic material that can be used extensively can serve as mulch. That means you don't have to dig deep into your pocket for mulching, you can just use what's in the garden.

Mineral Mulch

Examples of mineral mulch include pebbles or slate. This type of mulch is particularly popular in rock gardens or on pebble beds.

When is mulching?

You can mulch practically all year round, whenever there is bare soil to be seen. It is important that you enrich the soil with compost before mulching in spring in order to provide the perennials with sufficient nutrients. You can find out more about fertilizing perennial beds here.
It makes sense, especially in autumn, when the perennials have retreated, to apply an extra portion of mulch to protect the roots from frost.

Be careful with mulching: the disadvantages

Unfortunately, mulching not only has advantages, but also a few disadvantages. The mulch offers snails an ideal place to lay eggs, so that more snails can appear in the perennial bed. On the other hand, removing all the mulch in the summer will help to get rid of the eggs.
You should also be careful with mulch in persistent moisture. Because mulch keeps moisture in the soil, rot can occur. In humid areas you should therefore only apply a very thin layer of mulch.

Category:

Garden design