The Straw Mulch Mistake That Will Harm Your Vegetable Backyard

It would seem to be widespread sense so as to add your straw mulch proper after planting your vegetable seeds. In any case, you don’t need weeds to start out popping up, and the seedlings would profit from the additional water retention and vitamins from the mulch. Nevertheless, it could have the other impact by suffocating the seeds earlier than they’ve the possibility to germinate. That is as a result of it should block out the solar. The straw will block the veggie seeds from sprouting a lot in the identical manner that it blocks weed seeds from rising — it hides the solar, making it troublesome for them to get sufficient vitamins and vitality to sprout. As an alternative, wait till your seedlings develop 2-3 inches tall earlier than laying down the straw.

Nevertheless, there’s one exception to this rule. In the event you’re planting beans or peas in your veggie patch, a skinny layer of straw might help defend the crop from hungry birds. On this case, the chance of suffocating is lower than the chance of being eaten by wildlife. Simply be certain that to not overdo it. As an alternative, use a lightweight hand with the mulch to permit loads of daylight to get by.