Mulching strawberries with sawdust

In the process of growing various fruit crops, germination, maintenance and plant protection procedures are carried out. One of them is mulching. This technology is used in the cultivation of strawberries. With its help, gardeners facilitate the harvesting process, protect seedlings from various diseases and create optimal conditions for the development of berries. In the article we will learn whether it is possible to mulch strawberries with sawdust and how to carry out the work correctly.

Regular soil formation is mandatory conditions for the normal growth of the berries and regular fruiting. In these processes, the upper layer of the soil plays an important role. It is exposed to negative environmental factors, and therefore needs additional protection. Strong gusts of wind and rain wash out useful minerals and trace elements from it, and the hot sun or frost leads to freezing and drying.

All of the above conditions are also undesirable for various living organisms that live in the earth, which are necessary for the formation of humus. Due to their movement into the deep layers, the ground is deprived of fertility.

Covering the surface of the earth around plants with various materials is called mulching. Used both organic and inorganic products. An extra layer on the ground protects the root system and the fruit from adverse effects. Mulching activates the breeding process of small insects and worms. Together with acids, they create a loose and fertile soil layer.

A protective layer on the surface of the earth does not allow sunlight to penetrate, as a result of which weeds practically do not grow. This effect depends on the density and thickness of the mulch. In the cold season, it will protect the plant roots from severe frosts, which is especially important in the northern regions with frosty winters.

For the full development of the plant and high-quality harvest should maintain an optimal level of moisture in the soil. Watching this, especially with the onset of a hot and dry summer, is problematic. A layer of mulch helps to maintain the necessary moisture, thereby reducing the need for watering.

It also helps to keep garden strawberries from viruses and harmful bacteria. Mulch does not allow them to get to the root system of strawberries. Significantly reduced risk of verticillus disease, late blight of the roots, as well as rhizoctoniosis.

Organic mulch, after performing basic functions, is used as an effective plant food. After the decomposition of the layer of the earth gets a lot of nutrients and beneficial elements. As a result, the quality of the berries grows. In the process of decomposition, decay products gradually penetrate into the ground throughout the entire growing season.

To make the right choice among a wide variety of mulch, you must first decide on its primary task. Some species are better suited for protecting shrubs from diseases and pests, others choose to protect plants from the vagaries of bad weather, such as frost and extreme heat.

Sawdust is often used as organic mulch. This product is affordable and shows excellent performance. You can buy material in any store for gardening. Sawdust, as mulch for strawberries, has been used for a long time. This is a time tested method. Their main advantage is that they can be used at any time of the year.

The number of slugs, snails and other garden pests decreases markedly. This contributes to the rough surface of sawdust.

When using this type of mulch should increase the amount of watering due to the fact that sawdust absorb a large amount of moisture. However, to maintain and maintain the desired moisture content, it is possible to reduce the frequency of irrigation.

Before carrying out the procedure of mulching, it is necessary to loosen the ground around strawberry bushes. Further, the ground is covered with black and white newspapers. The use of products with color images is not recommended. Spread the newspaper overlap, one on another, so that the sawdust is not spilled on the ground. It is necessary to make 2-3 layers.

Now it is time to pour sawdust between the bushes of garden strawberries, filling the free space. The maximum layer thickness is 5 centimeters. The average is 3-4 centimeters. Sawdust for strawberries pour optional. Over time, the layer will self-align and disperse over the surface.

The process of overheating sawdust depends on the type of wood from which they were obtained, but, as a rule, it takes several years. Through this period of time you can make an effective top dressing from mulch by mixing with compost.

The process of mulching the earth with organic matter depends on the season. To carry out the work correctly it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of each period.

With the onset of autumn comes the time to update the mulch. On the old layer, which remained from the summer, impose an additional. Remember that the maximum layer should be no more than 5 centimeters. It is allowed to pour the product under the strawberries. Autumn mulching is mainly aimed at preparing the plant for the winter.

If the cultivation of the berries takes place in the region with a frosty climate, not only the soil, but also the bushes themselves are sprinkled with sawdust. This is a common practice in locations with unstable winters and frequent temperature changes.

In this case, first you should arrange a special frame for strawberry bushes. The raspberry branches will fit perfectly. Over them stretch a dense film and from above fall asleep with sawdust. If stable frosty weather is established in the region, the sawdust will remain dry and will not scour.

In the spring, it is necessary to update the protective layer, which has been preserved in the garden since last year. Old mulch is completely removed. After removal, the soil is loosened and fertilized. At this time, it is recommended to use complex mixtures with a nitrogen content.

After laying out a new layer of mulch. If necessary, replace old newspapers with fresh ones. The process of carrying out the work is described above in the article. Instead of printed materials, they also use small brushwood from raspberry branches, on top of which sawdust is poured.

As a rule, at this time with a layer of mulch do not work. The only exception is if the protective barrier is contaminated and it is necessary to replace sawdust with clean and fresh. Otherwise, when it comes into contact with the mulch, the berries get dirty and may start to rot.

• maintaining the desired level of soil moisture;
• protection against overheating or overcooling (with the onset of frost);
• a barrier to pathogens of various diseases that can get into the ground;
• reducing the number of weeds;
• maintaining the friability of the upper layer of the earth;
• mulching contributes to the formation of adventitious roots;
• protection of ripe berries from the ground;
• soil erosion prevention;
• shortening the ripening period of berries.

The only significant disadvantage of using sawdust as mulch is the possibility of reproduction of slugs, small insects and other pests in the raw material.However, experts do not consider this minus a significant reason to abandon mulching, because this process provides significantly more advantages than disadvantages.

Some experienced agronomists and gardeners use fresh sawdust for mulching. This product has special properties.

This method is not widespread due to the following disadvantages:

• fresh sawdust increases the acidity of the soil;
• Organic matter of this type is considered to be an excellent breeding ground for harmful insects and other pests that affect the plant and the quality of the berries;
• mulch deprives the soil of nitrogen, and this component is mandatory for the full development of flora.

However, these disadvantages can be considered insignificant. Fresh organic material does affect the content of nitrogen and acids in the soil, but the changes are so insignificant that they practically do not affect fruit crops.

Regarding the problem of pest breeding, here the views of summer residents diverge. Some believe that even fresh mulch from sawdust contributes to reducing the appearance and development of harmful insects. When using fresh sawdust, the timing and method of the work does not change.

Before use, the consumable material should be processed. To do this, a solid plastic film protrudes onto the ground, on top of which, layer by layer, spread out sawdust and urea. Proportions: 0.2 kilograms of urea per 3 buckets of fresh sawdust. After it is necessary to thoroughly moisten the material, using a minimum of 10 liters of fluid for each layer.

At the end, the resulting material is covered with another layer of oilcloth and left to sing. This process takes 10 to 14 days.

Experienced gardeners and novices share their opinions regarding strawberry mulching with sawdust. Opinions on this issue differ, however, most support this technique. Sawdust is an environmentally friendly, affordable, cost-effective, efficient and easy-to-use material that perfectly copes with the tasks.

Others opt for other organic products using conifer needles, hay, straw, or mulching using inorganic materials.

On how to mulch strawberries with sawdust, see the following video.