Mulch is useful for strawberries: the protective layer protects the bushes from rot and pests, prevents weeds from growing, and prevents the soil from drying out and overheating. One of the most popular materials for mulch is straw.
However, the expert of the Zen channel “Garden Cribs” warns: if you make 3 annoying mistakes, then the straw will only harm the strawberries – they will literally rot right on the bushes.
Mistake #1: Too thin or thick a layer of mulch
A suitable mulch thickness is 5-7 cm. In this case, the flower stalks receive support and are not pressed against the soil after rain, and the straw itself dries quickly. But if strawberries grow in shaded areas, then the thickness should be smaller – 4-5 cm.
Mistake #2: Laying mulch after the ovary
Mulch should be laid before flowering. If you lay it down after the ovaries and flower stalks have formed, the mulch will no longer function as a support. Under a warm, damp layer of straw, slugs will quickly breed.
By the way, a gray coating can also form if you have not prepared the bushes for mulch. You need to get rid of all the old yellowed leaves that are lying on the soil. After pruning, the flower stalks will begin to stretch outward and the top will lie on the straw, rather than pushing through it.
Mistake #3: Sticky layer
After rain, you need to stir up the mulch a little using a rake – or do it by hand. If the layer sticks together, it will no longer allow air to pass through, and the crop will be in danger. In shaded areas, you need to turn the mulch more often, since it dries much more slowly.
