Mulching bark and how to use it correctly

Are you looking forward to the time when you will be working and enjoying your garden again? Well, weeding flower beds may not be your favourite activity but still the warm weather and your garden growing is a hell of a feeling. We shall give you a tip that may save you some hard work. All you have to do is use mulch, or rather the right mulching technique. Mulching bark is an excellent choice. What kind of mulch is the best? How to choose the right one and why is it so beneficial? Read on and you shall find out.

What is a mulching bark?

It is a regular bark from spruce or pine and it is often sold as a mixture of both. The bark is crushed into small pieces. It is a natural material and therefore it will not disrupt the look of your garden. You may buy fine or coarse mulch. Fine is great for small plants and coarse for trees.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Bark acidifies soil

Yes, that is true and you should pay attention to this fact. Mulching bark is ideal for plants that like an acidic environment which include for example rhododendrons, azaleas and other flowers and plants butnot all plants tolerate a slightly acidic environment. If you notice brown spots on leaves or if leaves fall off, then your plant does not like acidic soil.

Using mulching bark

First of all, mulch will slow down the growth of weeds and will keep the necessary moisture in the soil, which is essential. This may save you money as you will use less water. Best is to use mulching bark in autumn or spring as it will protect plants from cold temperatures and will slow down weeds so you may not have to fight weeds so much during summer.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Basic mulching rules

The surface where you want to mulch must be completely free of weeds. Mulching should be done after all plants have been properly planted and watered.The surface must be well-levelled. Get a foil and make cuts in the shape of letter X in the foil at the exact spots where your plants are. They will grow through these holes. Now, create a mulching layer 10 to 15 cm thick on top of the foil or textile. A thicker layer is better for larger plants, as it will retain more moisture.

Source: drevostavitel.cz, ireceptar.cz

Preview photo: Radek Štěpán