The soil near the crops must be covered with mulch not only in spring and summer, but also in autumn, so that the plants can successfully endure the winter. Mulch laid in the fall decomposes by the spring and helps the soil to warm up better, and also from this quickly germinate agricultural crops.
It is necessary to mulch flower beds and circles of plant trunks in late autumn, when the surface of the earth has already begun to freeze. I will tell you about what material you can use when creating mulch.
Using coniferous bark for mulch
Dignity
This material is one of the most durable. Mulch looks decorative and also promotes plant development. The bark is able to protect the soil from temperature changes. And besides, the ground after watering is not covered with a hardened crust.
disadvantages
The hardest part of using this material is its preparation. The bark should lie in the compost for a year before use. At the same time, tomatoes should not be mulched with such material.
For which plants can bark be used as mulch:
- for rhododendrons;
- lingonberries and blueberries;
- fruit trees and bushes.
Using compost for mulch
pros
It is considered one of the best materials. Doesn't harm crops. Reduces the risk of contracting diseases, is considered a good fertilizer.
Minuses
It is necessary to prepare the material for mulching in advance. In addition, more weeds grow in beds with compost than on soil covered with other mulch.
What is mulched with compost:
- grape;
- vegetables sown in late autumn;
- fruit plants and berry bushes.
What is the difference between compost and humus? Compost is an organic mass prepared by decomposition of plant residues, and rotted manure is considered humus.
Mulching with peat
Advantages
It is in the fall that gardeners often prefer to use peat as mulch. In pre-winter peat mulching is especially recommended on heavy soils with a tendency to form earthen crusts on the surface. In the spring, this shelter maximizes the rapid heating of the soil, retains moisture and improves the structure of the earth.
disadvantages
You should not use fresh peat for mulching, as the material contains an increased concentration of toxic substances that have a bad effect on crops. To create mulch, you can use certain types of peat: lowland and transitional.
Should be mulched with peat only vegetable plants and herbs sown before winter.
Mulching with humus
Dignity
Humus as a mulch helps improve soil fertility. Such material contains many nutrients necessary for the development of cultivated plants.
disadvantages
The material can cause the appearance of weeds.
You can use humus when mulching the following plants:
- shrubs;
- roses and unpretentious perennial plants;
- grapes;
- trees.
Application of sawdust for mulch
pros
Wood sawdust is able to protect the soil from freezing and enrich it with useful substances.
Minuses
Decomposition removes nitrogen from the soil and can minimize fertility. Since sawdust quite tightly cover the soil from the sun, with the arrival of spring, various bacteria begin to multiply in the upper layers.
With the help of sawdust, you can mulch:
- currant bushes;
- grape;
- fruit trees.
It is advisable to use fresh, dried material; during long-term storage, sawdust sticks together.
Wood shavings as mulch
pros
The material helps repel slugs. With proper maintenance, it can be stored for a long time.
Minuses
Decay is too long, therefore it is mainly used when covering soil that does not need to be dug up (for example, on paths).
Shavings as mulch are suitable for use in near-trunk circles of trees.
Straw mulch
Dignity
Decomposition is slow, providing long-term protection for crops and helping to keep the ground warm.
disadvantages
Straw mulch can contain weed seeds and rodents like to hide from the cold.
Cover with straw:
- grape;
- garlic;
- blackberries.
Needle mulching
pros
Helps to loosen the soil and makes it waterproof. It is best to use pine or spruce needles.
Minuses
In the fallen needles, substances appear that harm garden and berry plants. There is also an increase in acidity in the soil, which harms many crops.
Needles are mulched:
- hydrangea;
- strawberries;
- heather.
Dry fallen leaves as mulch
Advantages
The most natural covering material. It is capable of rapidly decomposing and supplying the soil with useful substances.
disadvantages
Cannot be used for mulching vegetable plantings. If a warm and damp winter is established, the leaves will begin to rot, which will cause the appearance and reproduction of various fungi in the soil.
Suitable for mulching fruit trees and berry bushes.
Pine nut shells as mulch
Dignity
Creates protection against weeds, retains moisture, does not allow the soil to freeze. In addition, the shell is considered a good antiseptic.
Minuses
The cost of the material is too high. The shell attracts rodents that can harm plants.
With the help of a nutshell, you can mulch:
- ornamental plants and bushes;
- perennial flower crops;
- conifers.
Read also: All do not care! How to deal with blackening and curling of pear leaves?
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