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Mulching now?

ejwest719dE2A8Xrejwest719dE2A8Xr Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hello, I am a very novice gardener with a question about mulch! I’ve got some Strulch which I’d like to spread on a couple of flower beds around perennials. However there are also some self-seeded nasturtiums and poppies, some of which are just beginning to appear. I don’t want to suppress them so should I wait until they are a bit bigger and go round them or will they be able to grow through? (As Strulch is supposed to suppress weeds, I fear not) Thanks in advance for any advice.

Posts

  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    Welcome to the forum🙂😎

    You may be a novice but your instincts are good! If you want the seedlings to flourish, don't mulch over them.

    Nasturtiums and poppies are ok in poor, dry soil so (depending what else is in the area) you may be able to get away with not mulching that area at all and save the Strulch to mulch other areas more deeply.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • ejwest719dE2A8Xrejwest719dE2A8Xr Posts: 3
    Thank you very much for your advice- I’ll do that!
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Best also to wait until it's rained a good bit and the soil is nice and damp before you put the mulch on.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • SophieKSophieK Posts: 244
    I would suggest to wait longer, if at all. What else do you have planted in that border? If there are other plants that prefer dry and poor soil, perhaps better save the Strulch for another location? That being said, it's an excellent slug and snail deterrent...
  • ejwest719dE2A8Xrejwest719dE2A8Xr Posts: 3
    Yes, it was the slug thing that made me consider it! But I have a couple of other beds that I have just dug out so I might use the Strulch on those (after I’ve watered them) and leave the others for now - it’s all about timing, I’m discovering! Thanks for your help.
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