Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
By adding bark mulch, you can protect your perennial bed from weeds and also ensure that the moisture (better) stays in the soil. But be careful: Not all perennial species tolerate this form of mulching. Our article explains everything you need to know about bark mulch for perennials.
Mulch protects against weeds and dehydration
General preliminary remarks on bark mulch
There are basically two types of mulch: (€239.00)
- organic mulch material (bark mulch, cocoa shells)
- mineral mulch material (gravel, slate)
General benefits of mulch
- reduces weeds
- keeps the moisture in the soil
- compensates for temperature fluctuations
- protects plants from freezing in winter
- ensures cleanliness in the garden
- avoids silting
- keeps dogs from doing their "business".
What actually is bark mulch?
Bark mulch is a waste product from forestry and also from the wood processing industry in sawmills. This mulch is cheap to get and not least because of this it is very popular with hobby gardeners.
How to properly use bark mulch on perennials
In principle, rock garden, prairie and steppe perennials do not tolerate bark mulch or similar material. Logically, after all these species are not forest or forest edge plants, they do not know the mulch materials from their natural habitat.
Recommendation: Nevertheless, you do not have to completely do without mulching with these types of perennials. You can sprinkle the gaps with chippings, volcanic ash or similar materials.
Bark mulch for forest or forest edge plants
Perennials, which belong to the forest or forest edge plants, naturally tolerate a three to five centimeter thick layer of bark mulch or other organic mulch materials.
Caution: On heavy soils, good water drainage must be guaranteed under the mulch cover. If this is not possible, it is better to avoid mulching. Otherwise the perennials cannot develop well during the growing season and become susceptible to fungal diseases.
If you use bark mulch with perennials on permeable soil, you must not forget to fertilize with nitrogen, otherwise there may be a deficiency. This is because fresh bark mulch often contains herbicidal tannins that remove vital nitrogen from the soil.
Our advice: If possible, use seasoned mulch (less herbicidal tannins) and fertilize (nevertheless) with nitrogen. Then there is usually no problem.
Note: Before you cover your perennials with bark mulch, you should prepare the soil well. The entire area must be free of weeds.
tips
The denser your perennial bed is planted, the sooner you can do without bark mulch. Make sure you keep to the minimum planting distances.