Mulching of mown grass - we help ourselves and beds

Mulching of mown grass is one of many successful moves in agrotechnical events. Why this mulching? Probably, for doubters there will be enough two arguments: cheapness (and if it is more exact - free-of-charge) and advantage (naturalness). Let's consider each of the arguments in more detail.

1. Cheapness

Why is mulching mowed grass most beneficial? Even if only because the necessary material you get from your site. Skewed grass can and should be left on this site, but it should be done with the mind (we will tell you how to do it right next).

2. Benefits

Covering the soil with grass allows you to keep both moisture and beneficial microelements. In addition, you create a so-called air cushion, achieving a natural temperature regulation (in the heat of the soil is not so hot, and in frosts not so freezes), and prevent natural erosion. But the main plus is in the help of worms and microorganisms, which, feeding on the remains of organic matter, give out humus in return and improve the structure of the earth. And this, in turn, is very beneficial for the development of plants, and for fertility. Therefore, you can safely say: mulching the mown grass allows not only to return the impoverished soil to its former condition, but to make it more fertile.

Mulch prevents the washing of fertile layers during prolonged rains, distributes more evenly moisture, does not allow the weeds to grow rapidly, reduces the need for fertilizers, as it is an independent fertilizing by itself. With all this, there is an intensification of the process of assimilation of nutrients by plants, since the soil does not condense under the layer of mulch , which means that the roots are better supplied with oxygen.

As an example, you can consider mulching potatoes. For the sake of experiment, part of the bed was planted with potatoes in the usual way with the subsequent "habitual" care, the second part "covered" with mown grass. In the first case, potatoes often had to be weeded, hilled and watered, in the second - only watered. With an equal volume of one-time application of fertilizers, mulching allowed not only to get rid of weeding, but also to achieve higher yields.

Very appropriate mulching similar raspberries. Since its roots are practically on the surface (on average - at a depth of 20 cm), summer drying and winter freezing without mulching are simply inevitable. And the consequence is disease, loss of harvest and even shrubbery. Mulching of mown grass allows you to protect the roots all year round, regardless of the season. With constant, annual mulching the fertile layer gradually grows, humus reserves increase, less shoots are formed, which means it becomes easier to fight with shoots.

If we have convinced you, and as a mulching material you decided to choose grass, pay attention to a few rules:

- mowed grass should be "young", i.e. Without seed;

- before mulching, the grass must be dried: freshly cut green leaves on the ground in a dense layer and does not allow air to escape, which can result in a fungus that is difficult to fight;

- lay mulch on flowerbeds and beds only in a thin layer, periodically adding it.

If the grass is too much, leave it superfluous for compost. Mixing the remnants of bone meal and limestone this year, the next you will get a wonderful organic fertilizer.

Good harvests!