Few materials selected that are ideal as filler are worth noting:

Cora

It can be used year round. It is a natural material that fertilizes and acidifies the soil as it decomposes. The layer should be about 7 cm high. Bark should be sprinkled 2 to 4 cm per year. It is available in many variants with different package sizes. Pine bark is the most popular. It is suggested that one 80 liter bag would cover an area of up to 1 m with a 5-8 cm layer.

It is very important to clear the soil of weeds before pouring the bark. It is also worth pouring heavily composted base bark directly onto the soil. This will increase the properties of the bark with a larger fraction. For the bark, a layer of about 5 cm in height is enough. It is worth noting that the finer the bark, the more it envelops the plants.

Bark as mulch would be ideal for roses, raspberries, heather, Thuja, blueberries.

Wood chips

It is best to buy ready-made because they are carefully prepared and selected. It is most often sold in packs of 50 liters. Such a container is enough for an area of about 0.6 m2, provided that the height of the scattered layer will be from 5 to 8 cm. In gardens, on the other hand, it is recommended that the layer be much higher, even about 30 cm.

If someone has a twig shredder, it will help a lot. However, this approach requires much more effort. The advantage of the finished product is also a matter of aesthetics. Decorative wood chips are available in a variety of colors that can further beautify a space. Like bark, it provides essential minerals during mulching and prevents the growth of weeds. It is also a great insulating layer.

Wood chips are ideal for shrubs and perennials.

Agrotextiles

Dark colored fabric is used for mulching, it can be black or brown in color. Agrotextiles are very durable. It cuts holes through which plants can pass, and when unfolded, it is attached to the ground with special pins. Elsewhere, it effectively cuts off weeds from sunlight and water, which stops their growth, slows water evaporation, and protects against pests.

Agrotextile should be further covered with, for example, bark or earth so it does not get too hot. This would prevent the roots from overheating. Unfortunately, agrotextile does not help to fertilize the soil, it is one of the inorganic methods. It also has supporters and detractors because it actually prevents the growth of weeds as well as natural processes in the soil.

Woven agrotextile is used successfully when growing crops such as strawberry, raspberry or pepper.

Straw

It is another way to mulch the soil. It is environmentally friendly and also insulates well, so it provides good growing conditions for plants. Straw works especially well for growing crops because it keeps fruits, such as strawberries, clean, and over time it fertilizes the soil. It also retains moisture and protects against erosion. However, you must be careful that it does not contain aerosols.

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Straw is best spread in the fall; it can also be mixed with cardboard, but it is important that the paper not be imprinted. Cardboard boxes will attract earthworms because they contain cellulose, which is the building material for cocoons. The work of these organisms makes the soil more loose and aerated.

The straw layer, if it meets its purpose, should be thick, about 10 cm. Otherwise hardy weeds may pass through it.

Besides the strawberries just mentioned, other fruits and vegetables, especially potatoes, will grow well on straw.

Stones

As with agrotextiles, they will not enrich the soil. This type of bedding has several advantages. The main one is to stop the growth of weeds, another is a matter of aesthetics - stones can be beautifully decorated, especially if laid out with pebbles or grits. Another of their features is that they heat up quickly.

Stones as bedding will prove themselves in flower beds or rotary gardens. They should not be used with annuals as sowing seeds would be problematic.

Leaves

These are another natural mulch. Their thick layer can stop the growth of weeds. Additionally, they slightly acidify the soil. Such mulch will please many plants, including vegetables and fruits. The decomposition process is quite fast, a season or two is enough. Another advantage of leaves is that they are easy to obtain. However, compared to bark or wood chips, they will not be as decorative.

It is also important to inspect leaves before using them. They should be healthy and checked for pests and various diseases. In addition, because of the large amount of tannins and phenolic compounds, oak and walnut leaves, for example, will take a very long time to decompose, as will alder leaves, so they should be avoided when mulching. It is best to spread the leaves after the first frost, because rodents like to live in them.

Leaves are great for fertilizing many plants, including strawberries, raspberries and various vegetables.

Less popular types of mulch

The following materials can also be used to mulch plantings:

• Mowed grass;
• Hay;
• Sawdust;
• Rushwood;
• Cut paper and cardboard;
• Full decomposed compost without weed seeds;
• Ореховая скорлупа;
• Хвойный опад;
• Хвойные шишки;
• Торф;
• Сидераты;
• Рубероид.

Видео About, How to mulch your plants

The video describes what the author thinks are the best types of mulch. How to properly mulch plants for good development and a rich harvest. Watch it!