How to mulch strawberry beds: less hassle with weeds, and more large and tasty berries

25.12.2023 13:59

Once you've tidied up your strawberry beds in the spring, don't forget to mulch them. This simple procedure will make it easier for you to care for your plants and at the same time help you grow larger, cleaner berries.

And what material is suitable for these purposes, you will learn from the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist, landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .

Straw, pine needles or sawdust

The advantages of all three options are their availability and low cost. In addition, they all have the ability to pass air and light well, as well as prevent moisture evaporation from the soil.

When mulching strawberries with the listed materials, remember that the thickness of the covering material layer should not be less than 15 cm.

Weeds or mown lawn

The frequent use of such mulch is due to the fact that it contains a large amount of nutrients.

Strawberry
Photo: © Belnovosti

What you need to know: there should be no seeds in the mown grass. Dry it a little before using, otherwise the mulch will quickly rot.

Black film

Polyethylene is an ideal weed control material and also effectively retains moisture.

But there are also disadvantages: black polyethylene film should not be used in the summer, so as not to cause the roots to rot and overheat, and in the winter - it is not able to protect from the cold. In addition, ants often start up under such a shelter, and you cannot do without drip irrigation.

Earlier, BelNovosti listed 3 mistakes in growing currants, due to which you can lose your harvest.

Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources
 
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh Expert / Belnovosti

Content
  1. Straw, pine needles or sawdust
  2. Weeds or mown lawn
  3. Black film