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Mulch
for Garden Beds
Mulching
can help with water retention in the soil as well as act
as a deterrent to slugs and snails.
Mulch (see Glossary)
is a layer of material put on flower beds and around trees
and shrubs. If the soil is watered well first, mulch can
help water retention. Many kinds of mulch like pebbles,
chopped straw and bark can repel slugs and snails, or at
least make their life more difficult!
It can also act as insulation
for vulnerable plants during cold weather and, if laid thickly
enough (at least 3 inches deep), help suppress weed seedlings.
| Animal
Manure |
Well rotted
manure, like horse manure, adds body and nutrients to
the soil. It should never be used fresh but should be
left for at least three months before use. |
| Bark |
Chipped bark makes a
good mulch for suppressing weeds and bulk to the soil
as it breaks down but doesn't add nutrients. |
| Black Polythene |
This is good for suppressing
weeds and for warming the soil before sowing seeds or
planting out seedlings. |
| Cocoa Shells |
Much like bark, this
is good for suppressing weeds and smells delicious! |
| Garden Compost |
Your own home
made compost will add bulk to the soil as well as
nutients. |
| Grass Cuttings |
Instead of putting grass
clippings on the compost heap, you can use them as a
mulch. Layer them on thickly to keep the moisture in
the soil. |
| Growbags or
Mushroom Compost |
Used Growbags and mushroom
compost can be used as a mulch and add bulk and nutrients
to the soil. Do not use mushroom compost around acid
loving plants, though, as it is alkali. |
| Pebbles and
Gravel |
These can look very
effective around plants and shrubs, particularly on
alpine beds. They act as a deterrent to slugs and snails.
The best way to use them is on top of black polythene,
perforated first with a fork to allow water to penetrate.
That way it is much easier to remove them if necessary
as well as suppressing weeds better than pebbles or
gravel on their own. |
| Straw |
Chopped straw acts as
a good insulation to protect plants in cold weather
as well as being a deterrent to slugs and snails. |
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