Harnessing Nature’s Bounty: Mulching with Composted Wood Bark Mulch over Cardboard Sheeting
Composted wood chips
Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for effective and sustainable methods to enhance plant growth, reduce weed competition, and improve soil health. One technique gaining popularity is mulching with composted wood bark mulch over cardboard sheeting. This ingenious combination not only provides numerous benefits but also aligns with eco-friendly practices by utilising recycled materials and reducing the need for synthetic herbicides. Let’s delve into the details and discover the advantages of this organic gardening technique.
The Power of Composted Wood Bark Mulch:
Composted wood bark mulch is a nutrient-rich material obtained from the decomposition of tree barks and branches. When applied as mulch, it offers several advantages:
- Weed Suppression: Composted wood bark mulch forms a dense layer that inhibits weed germination and growth, preventing them from competing with your plants for essential resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. This reduces the need for manual weeding or chemical herbicides.
- Moisture Retention: The mulch acts as a protective barrier, reducing evaporation and maintaining soil moisture levels. This is especially beneficial during hot summer months or in areas with limited water availability. Consistent moisture promotes healthy plant growth and helps plants withstand drought conditions.
- Temperature Regulation: Composted wood bark mulch acts as an insulating layer, moderating soil temperature fluctuations. It keeps the soil cooler during scorching summers and provides insulation against frost during chilly winters. This stability encourages robust root development and protects sensitive plants from extreme weather conditions.
- Soil Enrichment: As the wood bark mulch decomposes over time, it adds valuable organic matter to the soil, enriching its nutrient content. This promotes the growth of beneficial soil organisms. However that it’s important to remember that as the wood bark mulch decomposes especially at the start of the process it can use up a lot of nutrients in the soil so it worth adding a feed to the soil before you start such as Growmore fertiliser