Bark mulch looks pretty and has a beneficial effect on the climate in the rose bed, right? Find out below whether bark mulch is good or bad for your rose bed and what alternatives there are.

Rose beds are often mulched with bark mulch

Bark mulch for rose beds: the advantages and disadvantages

Bark mulch doesn't just look good. It is used to protect the soil from drying out and to inhibit weed growth. Bark mulch decomposes over time and provides an optimal habitat for microorganisms such as earthworms. It also ensures a slightly acidic soil, which roses like very much.
However, in addition to these two beneficial effects, it also has a secondary, undesirable effect: the mulch layer prevents the supply of oxygen, thus inhibiting the work of aerobic microbes that supply nutrients to the soil. Instead, anaerobic bacteria now begin to decompose the soil. This creates substances that damage roses, such as ammonia.

Bark mulch yes or no?

In general, you can use bark mulch for your rose beds, but it is advisable to only apply a thin layer. This then has more of an optical effect than a practical one.

The healthy alternative for rose beds: bark humus

Instead of bark mulch, you should spoil your rose bed with bark humus. This decomposes faster and thus ensures sufficient nutrients in the soil. Alternatively, you can spread compost around the roots of your roses.

tips

If you want to provide your roses with nutrients but at the same time preserve the beautiful visual effect of bark mulch, combine compost or bark humus with a thin layer of bark mulch. It is also conceivable that you cover your rose bed with gravel. This looks nice, allows oxygen to the soil and also retains some moisture.

Category:

Vegetable garden