Lava mulch is an ideal soil conditioner. The fine granules prevent heavy soil from consolidating and optimize the water and air balance of the substrate. In the following article we will explain why the material is also suitable for preventing weed growth, what this product is about and how to use it correctly.
Lava mulch comes in a variety of shades
What is lava mulch?
Lava mulch (€13.99) is a natural product made from solidified lava. Fine-grained, it has a high mineral content and, in contrast to other mulch materials, does not rot. In addition, it is odorless.
The small granules are naturally red-brown in colour. Lava mulch is commercially available in different shades, so that the material can be matched to the color of the paving slabs and garden interior.
A grain size of 2 to 8 or 8 to 12 millimeters has proven itself. The pebbles should not be larger, otherwise ornamental plants will be difficult to replant.
How does lava mulch work against weeds?
Lava mulch acts as a drainage layer. The bed surface dries quickly, water is not stored. As a result, weed seeds can hardly germinate. Due to the granular structure, the fine roots find it very difficult to get hold, so that the weeds cannot develop properly. Weeding is a thing of the past in a bed that has been covered with lava mulch.
At the same time, ornamental and useful plants grow more vigorously due to the improvement in the soil climate. Since the small granules can store water and slowly release it into the soil, root-damaging waterlogging is a thing of the past. Even during hot periods, the ornamental plants find optimal conditions.
How is lava mulch applied?
Laval mulch is therefore ideal for preventing weeds. Deploy the material as follows:
- It is important that you remove weeds very thoroughly before spreading the lava mulch.
- Plant the bed first, as planting plants is more difficult when the mulch layer has been applied.
- In order to curb weed growth in the long term, you should spread a five to eight centimeter thick layer of lava mulch on the soil.
tips
This mulch material is also good for littering paths, for example in the vegetable patch. Even if it has rained, the material on the surface remains dry and you can step onto the bed at any time. Small stones that are removed from the side of the bed do not pose a problem. On the contrary, as already described, the soil structure is even improved.