Treat your soil….
to some special love this Winter
It may seem a real inconvenience to brave the wind and rain right now, but paying a little attention to your soil now that mowing has all but come to and end and leaves fallen, will allow you to reap rewards in spring and beyond. Your soil and plants will gain multiple benefits to develop the symbiotic relationship underground between Mycorrhizal compounds and roots. In turn, the plants growth above ground will be healthier, happier and reward you lots of return on this simple but effective investment.
Is there really a solution? Yes… and doesn’t require a particular garden skill…. Just a wheelbarrow, shovel and MULCH
Mulching with a thick layer of decomposed plant material will do some amazing things to boost your plants and soil;
Organic mulch (decomposed material) will open up air spaces to compacted soil (especially with clay soils) and make it easier to manage. Known as a ‘soil improver’ it breaks up heavy soil allowing better nutrient and water uptake from roots to tips.
Benefits:
Better manageability and easier digging on clay soils
Adds bulk and air spaces to sandy soils, so nutrients and water don’t simply wash away
Protection from soil erosion and crusting on soil surface
Undisturbed place for hibernating insects
Insulation blanket providing protection from frost in winter, and keeping underlying soil cooler in summer
Reduces annual weeds
Keeps moisture locked in in dry spells
Sustainable material, derived from plant waste
How to get Organic Mulch
If you don’t have a compost heap yet, you can purchase mulch in the form of fine composted Bark. Avoid large and chunky rustic pieces used in public parks which is more difficult to spread, very unattractive and may still retain some tannins which may affect the balance of acidity in the soil. Instead, specify 15-20mm fine composted bark so that it spread nicely and looks dark and even.
Fine Bark Mulch and Soil Conditioner
A newer by-product of crops used for bio-digesters is a fine and light mulch and soil conditioner, making it even easier to spread over the surface or dig in.
How much to use:
3-4” (7.5 - 10cm) or the depth of your hand when tilted upwards
When and where to spread mulch:
Anytime over the winter, however autumn is best, avoiding a frosted day. Frozen soil will be trapped beneath the mulch and slow to warm up spring.
Spread using a shovel or wide bladed spade over:
Flower beds
Base of all trees (avoiding the stem by a diameter of 10-20cm)
Fruit and Vegetable beds
Roses (avoiding stem by 5-10cm) Remove all leaves beforehand to prevent black spot splashing up the stem.
Base of hedges.
A note about hedges: fallen leaves from deciduous hedges (such as Beech, Hornbeam or native hedges) can remain as they will eventually decompose. Evergreen hedges are different as the leaves are thicker, so these need to be removed first. They, like most other clippings, can be shredded by going over with a mower, and put on the compost heap along with a layers of grass clippings, wet cardboard and shredded twiggy prunings. A perfect compost heap starter. (See my blog on Composting & Fertilising)
Mulch really is a magic ingredient to protecting your soil, plants and tiny insects. Apply every autumn (or if you miss the window, early spring) to beds and borders, fruit and vegetable beds and every 2years to trees, shrubs and hedges.