All processes in nature are competently regulated. In a forested area, for example, it is difficult to find soil that is not covered with grass or fallen leaves. And this is not without reason, because in this way nature protects young plants from frost and pests. Realizing this, people borrowed this method from nature and transferred it to their garden plots. It not only makes it easier to care for plants, but also increases productivity. This is how potato mulching was invented.
What is potato mulching?
The procedure is an agricultural technique and consists of creating an additional layer of soil. It is covered with artificial or organic material called mulch. It corrects the distribution of moisture in the soil, protects plants from frost, retains heat and helps accelerate the ripening process. Mulch also provides protection against weeds and pests.
Such a simple, at first glance, method is a real discovery for gardeners.
Goals of the procedure
Mulching is used for:
- uniform distribution and retention of heat, which allows plants to develop at a rapid pace;
- protection new potatoes from low temperatures;
- uniform distribution of moisture;
- obstacles to the growth of weeds;
- protect potatoes from heat, since the mulch layer reflects light;
- supplying the tubers with oxygen, since after prolonged rains the mulched soil is not covered with a dry crust.
During the rainy season, mulch prevents the fertile layer from being washed away. It is also worth noting that pests rarely grow in it.
Gardeners have long noticed that mulched potatoes produce twice as much yield. The relevance of the procedure increases if potatoes grow in loamy and heavy soils.
Mulching methods
The procedure is carried out in various ways. The material can be mown grass, sawdust or humus. Each of the materials has its own advantages and can be used by gardeners without a doubt. So that everyone can choose a method that is acceptable to them, we will dwell on each of them in more detail.
Mulching with straw or hay
This method has been used for a long time.Most suitable for warm climates. Both straw and hay are one of the main attributes of any village.
Hay is more suitable for mulching than straw. This is due to the fact that it is softer in structure and contains a lower concentration of weeds. In addition, there are mice in the straw that damage the potatoes.
Mulching with hay or straw occurs as follows:
- potatoes are planted in compliance with the recommended distance between holes;
- the area is covered with mulch (in this case, hay or straw);
- To ensure that the material holds well, it is recommended to sprinkle earth on top;
- after the sprouts reach 5–6 cm, a second layer is laid (about 20 cm);
- the material remains on the potatoes until harvest.
Note! There is no need to weed and hill up mulched potatoes. Watering is carried out only during the dry period; the rest of the time, the potatoes are fed by condensation resulting from the difference in day and night temperatures.
Mulching with film
Planting potatoes early increases the risk of frost damage. But here too people found a way out. It is enough to cover the planting area with film mulch. It retains moisture and increases the soil temperature by 2 degrees. This method is suitable for regions with cold climates.
Mulching with peat
The fibrous structure of mulch improves the condition of the soil. This method is suitable in autumn and winter, since peat intensively warms the soil. It is not recommended to mulch potatoes with peat alone, since depending on the place of origin, it may contain different plant residues and minerals. Too fresh peat, which is also poorly ventilated, may contain toxic substances.Mulching with peat is best combined with grass, manure or sawdust.
Mulching with humus
The material is completely safe, so it can be used without the slightest fear. True, a large amount of humus will be required. The material blocks the growth of weeds, retains moisture and, importantly, destroys pathogenic bacteria. However, a high concentration of nitrogen in humus is contraindicated on fatty soils. Otherwise, the tops will begin to grow intensively, slowing down the formation of tubers.
Mulching with sawdust
The method is popular in the northern regions of the Russian Federation. A warm coating of sawdust promotes rapid germination of potatoes and protects them from rotting. Before mulching with sawdust, the soil is weeded and watered. Then the potatoes are planted, cardboard is placed between the rows, and sawdust is crushed on top. Layer height is 5–10 cm.
Mulching with cones
This method is suitable for those who live in wooded areas. The unusual appearance of such a shelter will look original in any garden bed. It will protect plants from frost and weeds. The layer of cones should be 5–7 cm. Watering the soil is done after the cones have been laid on it.
Mulching with green manure
Green manure completely replaces conventional fertilizers. In addition, they increase potato resistance to diseases, saturate the soil with nitrogen, crowd out weeds and improve soil structure. Cut plants are not used fresh. Initially, they should be dried and then laid out in a layer between the rows.
Mulching with cardboard
This is a rather labor-intensive method of mulching, but it greatly facilitates further maintenance. Sheets of cardboard are placed on top of each other so that the height above the ground is about 30 cm.In the bottom layer of cardboard, which will be on the ground, holes are made for each seed potatoes. Then root vegetables are placed in them and cardboard is placed on top. First of all, this method is good because it protects against weeds that cannot get through to sunlight and simply die. The top of the cardboard is sprinkled with a 20-centimeter layer of hay or straw.
Planting Guide
The following method of planting under mulch is universal:
- the soil is pre-loosened;
- potatoes are laid out sprouts down;
- cover with a layer of mulch on top;
- They don’t spud.
It is important to observe moderation, since a large amount of material prevents the soil from drying out.
Possible mistakes
To avoid frequent mistakes when mulching, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Dried grass must dry well before mulching, otherwise the fruits will become infected with late blight.
- If film is used as mulch, then after the potatoes germinate, ventilation holes are made in it or completely removed;
- Mulching with straw is advisable only after the soil has warmed up. You should not carry out the procedure in early spring.
- The mulched area, although rare, still needs watering.
- It is recommended to maintain a layer of mulch: do not overdo it, nor do you skimp.
- Only lowland or transitional, loose peat is suitable for mulching.
Harvesting
As a rule, a shovel is not needed to harvest mulched potatoes. Most of the tubers are located on the surface of loose and soft soil. It is enough to rake away the mulch and pull the bush by the tops. When you pull out a bush, you can see many additional tubers on the lower part of the trunk, which indicates that the yield is twice as high.
Tubers planted under mulch are mostly clean. They just need to dry a little before storing.
