Content
- Does bark mulch damage the flowerbed?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of mulching with bark mulch?
- What to pay attention to when applying bark mulch?
- Alternatives to bark mulch
- Tips
Bark mulch has both advantages and disadvantages
Does bark mulch damage the flowerbed?
As far as bark mulch is concerned, garden ghosts divorce: Some praise the material as a panacea, which prevents weeds and keeps the moisture in the soil. Others say that bark mulch has no business except on paths and under trees in the garden - and certainly not in the flowerbed. Read what is actually true.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mulching with bark mulch?
In fact, mulching with bark mulch has both advantages and disadvantages, which should not go unmentioned. The material keeps the moisture in the soil and thus prevents premature drying out during dry periods. Furthermore, bark mulch reduces the emergence of weeds on the bed, which in turn saves you a lot of work. However, this effect should not be overstated, because as a weed protection layer you would have to apply the bark mulch much thicker than just three to four centimeters. In addition, bark mulch is an organic material and as such it rots very fast - but withdraws valuable nutrients from the soil, especially nitrogen. These in turn lack the often heavy-consuming flower shrubs. Only after complete rotting the previously bound nutrients are released again.
What to pay attention to when applying bark mulch?
However, this disadvantage can be compensated by applying a suitable long-term fertilizer before mulching and thus ensuring adequate supply to the plants. Even a thick layer of compost under the mulch material fulfills this purpose, so you do not necessarily have to resort to mineral fertilizers. Also make sure not to apply the bark mulch layer too thickly: Three to four centimeters are enough. So that weeds do not stand a chance anyway, you should first abjät the bed thoroughly and especially root weeds to remove profound. Incidentally, you can also cover bulbous flowers (which include many typical spring flowers) with bark mulch, this layer - if not too thick - is easily pierced in the spring.
Alternatives to bark mulch
However, you do not necessarily have to cover the flowerbed with bark mulch. Especially for nutrient supply are also lawn and chopped hedge trimming and straw. If, on the other hand, the bed is to be designed to be easy to care for, it is advisable to install a gravel or stone bed.
Tips
In winter, bark mulch is a tried and tested means of covering the bed and protecting the roots of the plants from frost.