Mulching means covering the soil with a layer of organic material. But does this also make sense in the vegetable patch and how should you proceed?

Mulch protects against weeds and dehydration

The benefits of mulching

Mulching offers multiple benefits. You should therefore not do without this measure in the vegetable patch.

Protection of the floor:

  • Weather influences such as wind and strong sunlight no longer dry out the soil so quickly.
  • The sun can kill the soil life in the top soil layers, because the important microorganisms die off in high heat.
  • Soil erosion is effectively prevented.
  • The mulch layer keeps strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage and other crops dry and clean. This protects against plant diseases.

soil improvement

  • Mulched soils have a stable soil temperature. This protects the active microorganisms and organisms.
  • As a result, the soil and thus the quality of the soil is improved. The substrate has a loose, crumbly structure.
  • Due to the naturally formed humus, sandy soils gain water and nutrient holding power.
  • Clay soils are loosened.
  • Mulching keeps the water and nutrient balance in the soil more stable.

In addition, weeds are suppressed by the mulch layer, so that you have to pull fewer and fewer weeds. The work becomes easier because the plants can simply be pulled out of the loose soil.

How is mulching done correctly?

When mulching, proceed as follows:

  • Before mulching, loosen or dig up the soil surface well with a hoe.
  • Only use material that is free of weed seeds and crop residues.
  • Choose the right mulching material. For example, not all plants tolerate bark mulch, which can acidify the soil.
  • Don't mulch too thick or rot may occur.
  • The mulch material should be shredded.
  • Leave the mulched areas untouched for a while so that the active processes are not destroyed.
  • However, regrowing weeds should be pulled out regularly.

tips

Snails like to hide in the mulch. (€239.00) So be sure to collect the animals. To do this, place large rhubarb leaves between the vegetables, under which the molluscs like to hide. You can also mix the mulching material with strongly scented herbs. This also keeps the uninvited guests away.

Category:

Vegetable garden