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Gardening

One for the gardeners -mulch

(9 Posts)
Casdon Tue 16-May-23 10:13:20

Has anybody used straw based mulch (Strulch or similar) on the borders, and if so, what do you think of it?

I’ve got a huge border in my garden, on a slope and about 100 feet by 12. I have tried bark and grosure mulch, but they are so heavy to lug up to the top of the bank and I’m looking for something lighter which does the same job.

merlotgran Tue 16-May-23 17:00:22

I haven’t used it myself so I googled Strulch and would definitely give it a go if I had large borders.

It has a neutral pH so will suit any soil type. It’s good for retaining moisture, enriching soil and suppressing weeds. The only thing I would question is their claim that it deters slugs and snails. We all know how they love to hide in straw!

We’ve used straw in making bio char on the group allotment I belong to so I’m also experimenting.

Callistemon21 Tue 16-May-23 17:05:51

I hadn't heard of it, interesting, Casdon.

The only thing I would question is their claim that it deters slugs and snails. We all know how they love to hide in straw!
I always put straw around the strawberry plants to deter slugs, thinking they wouldnt want to crawl over it. It seemed to work but bang goes that theory!

merlotgran Tue 16-May-23 17:16:03

Callistemon21

I hadn't heard of it, interesting, Casdon.

The only thing I would question is their claim that it deters slugs and snails. We all know how they love to hide in straw!
I always put straw around the strawberry plants to deter slugs, thinking they wouldnt want to crawl over it. It seemed to work but bang goes that theory!

Maybe it’s just in my garden, Calli 😂

midgey Tue 16-May-23 17:27:43

My daughter used it with good results.

Callistemon21 Tue 16-May-23 17:37:40

merlotgran

Callistemon21

I hadn't heard of it, interesting, Casdon.

The only thing I would question is their claim that it deters slugs and snails. We all know how they love to hide in straw!
I always put straw around the strawberry plants to deter slugs, thinking they wouldnt want to crawl over it. It seemed to work but bang goes that theory!

Maybe it’s just in my garden, Calli 😂

Perhaps ours are still learning!

Casdon Wed 17-May-23 14:23:08

Thankyou. I’ve ordered some, I’m going to give it a go, before my back gives out entirely.

Whitewavemark2 Wed 17-May-23 14:25:28

Yes I had 3 big bags of bark mulch delivered. It is heavy and not very pleasant to handle.

Norah Wed 17-May-23 14:26:54

We use a deep layer of straw/grass type mulch - under dark bark. Seems to work keeping weeds down and moisture in the beds.