mulch

lynne.rich · February 2023

I think I put straw mulch on my veg patch too late into the year. It's still there a few inches
deep and I don't know to leave it as it is or remove it, dig it in . I feel the bed needs compost but not sure if I can do this with the mulch still there. Any advice would be much appreciated

Busy-Lizzie · February 2023

I would leave it. It will rot down eventually and keep the weeds at bay. When you want to plant then push the straw aside a bit and dig in some compost as you plant or sow. I have a friend who does that and gets great results.

Fairygirl · February 2023

Hi @lynne.rich - is it ordinary straw you've used or the commercial 'strulch' ?
If it's the former, you could dig it in, but if there's a lot, it might be better to lift most of it and add it to a compost bin if you have one.

I haven't used strulch, so not sure if it would be the same.

lynne.rich · February 2023

Thank you both. It was a commercial brand. I'll probably combine both steps of advice and will leave it till I am ready to plant out and then depending on how much is still left will remove it or push it aside and dig in the compost as I plant! Fingers crossed! When is the best time to mulch?

Fairygirl · February 2023

You can mulch at any time really. It helps the soil structure. It also helps retain moisture, depending on the type used, and the plants involved. You might also consider a green manure if you grow veg - that would be used later in the year, and when you have no plants in the bed, so it might be better if you were leaving an area empty for a while.

Straw would be more of an insulator though, unless composted.

lynne.rich · February 2023

Thank you for your advice

mulch

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