Mulching strawberries simulates a natural process. The plants are protected from drought stress, temperature fluctuations, weeds and pests. To avoid making mistakes, find out more about suitable materials and the right approach here.
Proven mulch material - an overview
In the near-natural hobby garden, natural raw materials dominate for use as mulch material. The sterile, black foil from the commercial cultivation of strawberries is only rarely used. This is not surprising, because there is a wealth of options to choose from in harmony with nature. The following overview presents the most common natural substances:
- Straw: the most common mulch material used in strawberry cultivation keeps the soil moist and the fruit clean for longer
- Sawdust: a practical alternative to straw with similar benefits
- Wood wool: used primarily in flower boxes and other planters to cover the substrate
- Expanded clay: (€19.73) the reusable mulch material in tubs and planters
- Bark mulch: regulates the soil climate and ensures clean strawberries
Where there is a lot of pruning in the garden, the clippings are shredded and used to cover beds under strawberry plants. Leaves and pine needles also meet the requirements for suitable mulch material. On the other hand, the use of damp lawn clippings is not recommended because it promotes the spread of diseases.
The right mulching technique
With regard to the optimal time for the distribution of the mulch material, there is still a controversial discussion among hobby gardeners. The first layer of ground cover can be applied immediately after planting. At the latest after flowering, it is definitely high time to use straw or bark mulch. Here's how to do it:
- strictly check the mulch material for contamination by unwanted weeds
- Pulling weeds in the strawberry bed without raking deeply
- Distribute straw, bark mulch or other materials evenly by hand
- the mulch layer should not be higher than 3-5 centimeters
In autumn or spring, the used top layer is worked into the soil to make room for fresh mulch material.
tips and tricks
Wood chip mulch tends to strip nutrients from the soil. Where the advantages of bark mulch or sawdust are used in the strawberry bed, the material should be enriched with horn shavings (32.93€). Apply the organic fertilizer at a dosage of 40-60 grams per square meter before mulching.