Wood chippings, and other organic mulches, decompose over time and will eventually need topping up
MULCHES are loose coverings (or sheets of material) placed on the surface of bare soil or the surface of compost in containers. They can be a useful alternative method of weed control rather than using weed killers. They work because they block out daylight, which stimulates weed seeds to germinate. The seeds are still there, but they remain dormant.
A straw mulch is ideal for weed controlling and water retention
Organic mulches like rotted leafmould release small amounts of nutrients
Helping moisture retention
A good mulch will also help with moisture retention in the soil or compost, by reducing surface evaporation, and dark-coloured fabric mulches can be used to warm up a seed bed or planting area in spring by absorbing the sun’s heat and transferring it to the soil beneath, making it warmer than the surrounding soil. Light-coloured mulches are used in greenhouses and cold frames to control weeds and reflect light, helping to improve light levels around young plants during the winter months.
Mulches can be divided into two main groups: organic and non-organic. The two are used together where an organic layer, such as shredded bark, is used to cover a non-organic fabric cover.
Organic mulches
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 02, 2022 من Amateur Gardening.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 02, 2022 من Amateur Gardening.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters