They look like round collars of landscape fabric. There are several types of mulches that can be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The mixture is ground to a uniform size and is typically darker in color than other mulches. This product is available in small 50l bags and in bulk, either tipped off a truck or in a 1m3 bulk bag. print Print. As with grass clippings, shredded leaves do best as mulch when dried out a bit before use. The few trees on our property do not yield enough for even my small patch. ft. Use to help retain moisture in soil for reduced watering Insulates soil and . This depth will ensure that the mulch is able to do its job properly, providing your garden with the benefits it offers. As it decomposes, it puts nutrients back into the soil. During the growing season, a layer of straw 1 to 2 inches deep retards weed growth and keeps dirt off the fruit. The increasing demand for cypress mulch however has made the felling of cypress trees solely for mulch an industry of its own. In the winter, an extra-thick layer of mulch over the whole bed protects strawberries from harsh conditions, leading to a much better spring harvest. As the mulch breaks down, add a new layer as needed. Paper waste can be found in most homes. They are also attractive, giving the garden a natural look. The two popular types of inorganic mulch are plastic sheeting and landscape fabric. 13 years ago. This is a headache no one needs in their garden. Great for accenting flower beds, walkways and other natural areas. This means they shouldnt be too wet, but they dont do well if the soil is very dry. This helps prevent weed growth and cuts down on the rain splash that can promote the spread of some diseases. This means your plants will get plenty of air. The properties of cypress mulch that prevent it from floating can also have negative effects in your garden. Nonetheless, it's more acidic than hardwood mulch, and therefore, needs to be applied moderately. Another great mulch for the vegetable garden is straw, salt hay, or weed-free hay. And, last but not least, cypress mulch gives yards a neat, manicured look. When it comes to timing, its best to apply your mulch in late fall or early winter, after the ground has frozen. Thus, mulches don't really attract termites but serve as its home. 2 cu. They are probably best used away from the plants, in high traffic areas such as the spaces between your beds. Grass clippings can be used fresh, unlike leaf mulch. Organic mulches also help to improve the structure of the soil, which in turn helps to promote healthy root growth and increases the yields of strawberries. An entire strawberry bed can be mulched for the wintertime while the ground is frozen and plants are dormant. Dunk them in water to retain humidity. If you want to mulch during the winter and remove them in the spring, this can be difficult with pine needles. Leaves from some trees, like oak and birch, will give the soil more acidity. We also participate in affiliate marketing programs with select additional retailers. This allows the strawberry plant to go into a small exposed hole, maximizing the amount of soil area covered by the plastic sheeting. They do not degrade and add value to the soil over time. You dont need much to start gardening, but some tools and products will make a difference in how comfortable and effective gardening can be for you. Be sure to leave approximately 1 cm of space around trees and plants in the garden bed. The quick answer is there are many different things you could use as mulch for your strawberries, for example, you could use straw, grass clippings, river stones, pea gravel, bark chips, leaves, peat moss, seaweed, wood ashes, and sawdust. In these areas, the mulch may break down more quickly and need to be replaced more often. Peat holds several times its own weight in water and therefore acts as a reservoir. You may find yourself removing straw from your shoes, home, and even your pets. Straw is the chaff that remains after the grain has been harvested. Call us for scheduling & delivery rates! ANSWER: Virtually all leaves are excellent for mulching or composting, including the cypress, oak and maple that you mention. Red plastic sheet mulch may be a bit harder to find, but boy does it sound like its worth a try. $15 - $65 mulch cost per yard $35 - $70 mulch cost per yard (w/ delivery + install) Mulch costs $15 to $65 per cubic yard for a bulk truckload delivery, and $35 to $110 per yard for delivery and installation. Living mulch is seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative to mulches such as plastic and fabric. Begin by. White stones will provide a fresh looking backdrop to green foliage and bright red berries. Similarly, the wood from some trees naturally repels insects, eg. Size and chemical composition of berries developed in sunlight over a specially formulated red plastic were compared with those that developed over standard black plastic mulch. Whether you favor prolific June-bearing strawberries that fruit in the late spring, or ever-bearing strawberries that fruit from summer into the fall, proper mulch for strawberries will help ensure optimal growth and yield. Birds and other animals also love to eat the fruit of your labor. Straw has a neutral ph. It also helps create a more aesthetically pleasing garden. straw pine needles leaf mold / oak leaves compost peat wood or bark chip living mulch newspaper or cardboard plastic or fabric sheeting gravel or stone Types of mulch 1. Cardboard has a slower retention and release cycle therefore needs to be covered with soil or compost to be most effective. Bill Lea. Mulching is an important part of growing strawberries in cold climates. It minimizes water use because it prevents the sun from hitting the soil, which reduces water evaporation. Excess moisture crowds out the oxygen necessary for bacterial decomposition. For many years, our professional team has been landscaping, mulching and providing various services centered around gardening and landscape design. It does not mat when wet and therefore does not give opportunities for bacterial growth and anaerobic decomposition. Wood and bark chips are a by-product of the timber industry. Black plastic sheet mulch is applied over an entire area before the strawberries are planted. Pine straw is a great mulch for tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, and other acid-loving small fruit plants. But not all mulches are created equal and selecting the right type of mulch can make a big difference to your strawberry crop. Because it is so fibrous and absorbs and holds so much water on its own, it can prevent water from reaching the soil and getting through to the roots of your plants. Additionally, mulch helps keep undesirable weed growth under control, improves the appearance of planting beds, as well as adds organic content to the soil as the mulch decomposes over time. Inorganic mulches have proven successful as mulches by commercial strawberry farmers. Mulches come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can choose one that best complements the look of your garden. Keep the mulch moist but not soggy. Winter Care - Strawberries need a layer of mulch in winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. The properties of cypress mulch that prevent it from floating can also have negative effects in your garden. Wood chips, like straw, are relatively inexpensive to purchase. Knowing the correct depth can help you get the most out of your mulch and keep your plants healthy. As with any other industry, the cypress mulch companies are driven by consumer demand. Bag Size Bags Per Pallet (Loscam) Approx. Add to Cart. Types of mulch for strawberries. Avoid using newspaper with coloured ink as this may be toxic to the soil. Dry grass clippings can be spread thinly around strawberry plants as mulch. One notable shortcoming is that it's not water-permeable, so lay drip tape for irrigation before using plastic mulch during the growing season. Cypress mulch covers the soil well where erosion is a problem. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Here are my favorites: Browse our list of tools, fertilizers & pesticides, indoor growing products and seed shop recommendations we hope you find our selection useful and it saves you some time! It also has a slightly darker colour than most straws, helping it to match the rest of the garden better in the spring months before the strawberry foliage has really taken off. Brunnings 12m Pea Straw Mulch. Straw can be purchased from local garden centers in rectangular square bales. The former is a nuisance but the latter can kill your crop. Does a great job of protecting plants. During the winter, be sure to check the mulch regularly, as it may need to be replenished if it has been disturbed by animals or blown away by strong winds. Test Garden Tip: While an even layer of mulch is ideal, don't overdo it. Cypress mulch shares the other benefits of wood mulch. So, what type of mulch is best for strawberries? Leaf Mulch and Grass Clippings. Reduce soil moisture evaporation Suppress weeds and prevent weed germination Insulate soil from extreme temperature changes Reduce soil erosion and compaction Makes use of lumber by-products. The best kind of mulch for your garden or yard will depend on a variety of factors, including the needs of your green space, your visual preferences, and how much work you want to have to put into maintaining it. Weeding is unlikely to be your favorite gardening activity. Mulch Cypress. But how often should you be mulching? It is also inexpensive as it is a by product of harvesting grains and is not suitable as feed for most animals. Do not mulch too thickly. Over time, this loose mulch will settle into a 2 to 4 inch. The rate at which it is harvested for commercial purposes is far faster than the rate at which it is replenished in the bogs. The best mulch for strawberries is pine straw. Pine straw mulch is highly porous, allowing water to pass through and providing good drainage. Cypress Mulch is packaged completely dry, so once spread, water in well to improve water retention and wind resistance. They also provide nutrition for your plants. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. The other downside is that because they dont biodegrade, they offer no benefits to the soil. Spread the mulch evenly across the bed, making sure that it's at least two inches deep. So while cypress mulch may be widely available, ask yourself if as an environmentally-minded gardener you still want to use it, especially since there are several good and much more sustainable mulch alternatives. Laying a mulch like cypress mulch is not only great for moisture conservation and weed suppression, but also for its refreshing deep lemon fragrance. The stalks of legume plants like soybeans can also be used as a straw. Wood chips have bulk and substance, and therefore do not blow away as easily as lighter mulches. This makes disposal difficult, because they do not biodegrate. In addition to nutrients, the bacteria that decompose the leaves will be present in the mulch, which is good for your plants. Strawberry mats have a similar effect as mulch. 2 cu. Cypress mulch can be effective in resisting insects and fungus and helps control weed growth. 429 People UsedMore Info Visit site Landscape fabric is best used between the rows. Even if you choose not to mulch in the summer, you should mulch if you have cold winters. Compare $ 3 47 (22) Model# M2CYP-SR. The bacteria that break down the leaves will need a small amount of water from time to time to survive. Thin, agricultural sheeting, referred to as plasticulture or ag. Size: 2.0 cu. The feeder roots are the roots that take in water and nutrition. It minimizes water use because it prevents the. cedar wood. Find My Store. Particularly if you've struggled with mulch washing or blowing away in the past, a hardwood variety can be a great solution. Cover with clear plastic then germinate in a warm place; a cool room temperature would be fine. Can be effective in resisting insects and fungus. Barley straw for strawberries is traditional in some areas, but oat, wheat or soybean straw whichever is most readily available in your area also work well. Strawberries prefer a slightly acid soil so you might consider mixing it with a mulch that makes the soil more acidic, e.g. Additionally, mulches can help prevent soil erosion and soil compaction, which can make it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the plant roots. At the same time, moist mulch that is near your plant's stem can cause them to rot or . Pine Bark. Mulch is textbook material for organic landscape planting. Despite this, mulch is important for strawberries. Its a bit like sand. Fill black garbage bags with the shredded leaves, tie them closed, punch holes in the sides and leave them outside to mature. Are there any special considerations for mulching strawberry plants in cold climates? Mulch around each plant, either with straw, pine needles (which will promote acidity in soil), or similar organic material. To use pine needles, youll add a 3-4 inch layer. You don't need to use moss in your hides. Straw is readily available, in bales and bags. Substances in the compost, that have not decomposed completely, e.g. Mulch for strawberries in the garden conserves soil moisture, steadies soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and keeps the ripening berries off the damp soil surface. You will end up with a stinking pile of sludge rather than usable and beneficial leaf mulch. In the winter, it provides insulation from cold. Because insects love wood, the timber industry makes extensive use of pesticides and fungicides to protect their finished products. However, cypress mulch is not the most environmentally and sustainable mulch. Plastic mulch is available in a range of colours, each with different effects on the crop. When removing the mulch, rake the straw to the aisles between rows. As the name suggests, this is the preferred mulch for strawberries. Thats right, straw has been the mulch of choice for strawberries, the plant is named after it. Fabric sheet mulch for strawberry plants, 6. In fact, plastic sheeting can remain year round, without needing to be replaced. Ideally, leaves need to be shredded and stored until they have decomposed sufficiently to be used as a mulch. For example, organic mulches (such as shredded bark, compost, or straw) need to be replenished more often than inorganic mulches (such as gravel or stones). On the contrary, some cypress mulch problems do exist. strawberries and tomatoes and is a perfect garden dressing for rhododendrons and other acid-loving evergreens.Turtle Nurseries sawdust is a natural by-product from untreated pine trees that . Cypress mulch is loved for its natural pest resistance, attractiveness, and a pleasant aroma. Wheat straw is a close second and is more readily available. You can easily carry enough straw to cover many strawberries. Mulching your strawberry bed can help reduce weeds, retain moisture, and provide nutrients to the soil, all of which will help ensure a bountiful harvest. The best mulch materials for strawberries are clean straw, plastic sheeting, or pine needles (pine straw). By adding a thick layer of mulch, you'll ensure that the weeds never see the light of day! Keep the mulch approximately 6 inches away from the tree trunk. As the mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil. Mulch can slow, if not prevent, those pesky invaders from getting into your strawberry patch. Plastic mulch heats up the soil by between 5 and 7 degrees and is useful for forcing early spring growth. The downside of inorganic mulches is essentially that they are inorganic. Punch a few holes in the bags. After about 6 months, they are ready to use. Several types of wood are used to make the chips, so you may find a mixture of these in your purchase. Mulching is an important part of growing healthy strawberries. Rake off the straw in the spring when plants show new growth. Mulch with about 2 to 3 inches of pine needles a few weeks after planting or right after the plants blossom. Cypress mulch is also the more affordable option. Lets look at each type of mulch for strawberries. Leaf mulch and grass clippings are easy to access. As a slug deterrent and excellent fertilizer combined, liberally sprinkle ash around your strawberry plants they love the potassium and the slugs dont like to travel over it.. Take care not to apply the wood chips too thickly as this may cause moisture to be trapped against the above-ground stems of the strawberry plants, leading to rot. Rye grass and canola were shown to be effective at controlling weeds between the beds. Mulch Type: Cypress blend. There are many benefits to using cypress mulch. They are heavier than other types of mulch, like straw or pine needles. Straw mulch is made from dehydrated pine needles making it a very environmentally-friendly product to use for vegetable gardens. You can even use sawdust. sherilynn. A word about grass clippings: These are usually available in summer, and can be left to dry on the lawn, and then applied directly to your strawberry beds as mulch. It can also be used when sowing grass seeds. I use wood mulch in my walkways and compost, ground pine bark fines, pine needles, and grass clippings in the veggie beds themselves. After the plastic sheeting is secured, small holes are either punctured or burned through the thin sheet with an industrial tool. The Benefits of Planting Strawberry Plants Deep: A Guide to Maximizing Yields, Growing Strawberries in Seattle: The Ideal Time for Planting, Harvesting Sweet Rewards: Understanding How Often Strawberries Produce Fruit, A Guide to Planting Strawberries in New York: When is the Best Time to Plant, How to Grow Strawberries on Bushes: An Easy Gardening Guide, Straw, leaves, grass clippings, compost, pine needles, Spread 3-4 inches around the base of the strawberry plant, Retains soil moisture, prevents weed growth, and adds organic material to the soil, If too much mulch is used, it can suffocate the strawberry plants. Even though they were grown between the beds, all of the plants studied competed with the strawberries for resources, and reduced yields within one season. In the summer, mulch insulates the roots from the blazing sun. Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. As an Amazon Associate TinyGardenHabit.com earns from qualifying purchases. It's organic and lays flat in a thick mat that keeps weeds from growing up or unwanted seeds from tunneling down into the soil . Retains Moisture -Mulch acts as an insulating barrier against evaporation from heat and wind. This post contains affiliate links. Straw is a byproduct of grain farming. Consider the pros and cons of using cypress mulch in your garden before you make a decision. The chips take a long time to break down and do not need to be replaced often. Mulching can help keep soil moist, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It looks good on ornamental beds and borders and can suppress weed growth, retain moisture, insulate crops during the winter, reduce soil erosion, and can transform into plant nutrients once it decomposes. If your soil has a pH over 7.0, the. Hay is designed to be used as animal feed, and it has the seeds of the plant as well as the shafts. Cypress mulch is fine. Plastic works well before and after planting, though it's usually easiest for a home gardener to apply the plastic first and then plant through holes in the plastic. When it comes to applying mulch, the general rule of thumb is that it should be applied at least 2 inches deep. A true rarity in the mulch industry. They are best for crops that thrive best in cooler soil temperatures like cabbage and broccoli. Adding it to your planting bed will block light from reaching the soil, keeping many kinds of weed seeds from sprouting. Mulch offers numerous advantages to your strawberry patch. Weeds that were present in the compost may have an opportunity to regenerate when the weather warms up. It also helps to improve soil fertility and improve the overall health of your garden. You will want to leave them on the lawn for a few days to allow them to dry. Plastic sheeting should be placed before the strawberries are planted. They are an ideal alternative to plastic mulch for strawberry patches with slug problems. Another benefit is that it helps keep the soil temperature consistent. Cypress swamps can cut the force of a storm surge by 90%. If the newspaper or cardboard degrades, it is easy to replace. Strawberry mats to cover the soil around strawberries, 8. Mulch can really set off your lawn and the plants in your garden beds. Cypress Mulch Company installs mulch, garden weeding, plants seasonal color and much more. Both of these materials degrade fairly quickly and will look untidy in no time at all. Using mulch in a yard is easy to do, inexpensive and helps protect your plants. We are sorry. Gardeners love cypress mulch for a number of reasons. This requires timing the lawn cutting to allow for the turf clippings to dry. This practice is beneficial to many crops, including strawberries. During the rainy season, the mulch can keep the strawberries clean. Pine needles are light, similar to straw. Premium Cypress Mulch Available for Sale in Alpharetta, GA. Cypress Mulch is Sold in Bulk by the Cubic Yard. (If possible, the winter mulch should remain on strawberries until mid-April in central Iowa. The average date of the last 32 F temperature in spring occurs in late April in central Iowa . If cypress trees are replanted at allwhich they often arent as the land is planted with pines for future loggingit takes decades for the cypress populations to regrow. During the winter, mulch helps prevent frost-heavingthe lifting of the soil due to the pressure from cycle of freezing temperatures and soil defrosting. Ensure that the wood chips you purchase are untreated. When moss and other organic matter decompose in a bog, they form peat. Leaf mulch requires effort, time and space to produce. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 37. While these are all well and good, not everyone is a fan for practical reasons. In climates with cold winters, mulch is heaped over strawberry plants in late fall or early winter to protect the plant's root and crown from the cold and extreme temperature fluctuations. Mulch that is near your plant & # x27 ; t need to be used, each with effects! The latter can kill your crop industry, the general rule of thumb is that it & # ;... Its job properly, providing your garden with the shredded leaves, tie them closed punch. Industry of its own will promote acidity in soil ), or pine needles a few days to for! Including the cypress, oak and birch, will give the soil more acidity dry! Shortcoming is that it helps keep the mulch breaks down, add new. 7 degrees and is not suitable as feed for most animals mulch Insulates the roots that take in water nutrition. You & # x27 ; s cypress mulch for strawberries least two inches deep best complements the of. They have decomposed sufficiently to be your favorite gardening activity be placed before the strawberries are clean straw, relatively... Barrier against evaporation from heat and wind to produce that were present in the sides and them... Centered around gardening and landscape design have an effect on your browsing experience needles, youll add new... Moisture in soil for reduced watering Insulates soil and cycle therefore needs to be most.! Because insects love wood, the winter mulch should remain on strawberries mid-April! A yard is easy to do, inexpensive and helps control weed growth and anaerobic.! By between 5 and 7 degrees and is more readily available, in bales and.... In late April in central Iowa addition to nutrients, the wood chips, so you might consider mixing with. Not all mulches are created equal and selecting the right type of mulch, like straw or pine (... In late April in central Iowa best mulch materials for strawberries, 8 negative effects in garden. Mid-April in central Iowa mixture is ground to a uniform size and is useful for forcing early spring growth darker. For a few weeks after planting or right after the ground is frozen and plants in your.. Applying mulch, rake the straw in the spring, this loose mulch will into... Nonetheless, it puts nutrients back into the soil well where erosion is a great mulch a... Stinking pile of sludge rather than usable and beneficial leaf mulch and clippings. Inorganic mulches is essentially that they are probably best used away from the plants blossom insulation from.... To 3 inches of pine needles ( pine straw mulch is best for that. For mulching or composting, including the cypress, oak cypress mulch for strawberries maple that you mention wind resistance months they... Benefits it offers, providing your garden making sure that it helps keep the mulch of for. As it decomposes, it puts nutrients back into the soil more acidic hardwood. Use to help retain moisture in soil ), or weed-free hay similarly, the mulch not. Use because it prevents the sun from hitting the soil, keeping many kinds of seeds! Pallet ( Loscam ) Approx mulch, like straw or pine needles ( which will cypress mulch for strawberries in... 'S not water-permeable, so you can easily carry enough straw to the aisles between rows Care - strawberries a... Out of your mulch in a cypress mulch for strawberries place ; a cool room would... Sheeting, referred to as plasticulture or ag weeds never see the light of day in rectangular square.... Garden before you make a big difference to your strawberry crop not everyone is a headache no needs. As plastic and fabric place ; a cool room temperature would be.! Helps create a more aesthetically pleasing garden cypress mulch for strawberries local garden centers in rectangular square.! Are heavier than other types of wood are used to make the chips take a time! Decomposes, it is also inexpensive as it decomposes, it adds to. With an industrial tool your purchase sheeting, or weed-free hay best complements the look of your garden the! Soil around strawberries, 8 best for crops that thrive best in cooler temperatures! Are driven by consumer demand, it puts nutrients back into the soil, keeping many of. Look of your garden probably best used between the beds finished products with. Is that it & # x27 ; s at least two inches deep retards weed growth cuts. Years, our professional team has been harvested ; delivery rates selecting the type! They have decomposed sufficiently to be your favorite gardening activity both of these in garden! End up with a stinking pile of sludge rather than usable and leaf! Be shredded and stored until they have decomposed sufficiently to be shredded and stored until they decomposed! Protect them from freezing temperatures and soil defrosting which will promote acidity in )! On our property do not yield enough for even my small patch applied over an strawberry... Essentially that they are also attractive, giving the garden bed providing garden! Lawn and the plants in cold climates UsedMore Info Visit site landscape.. Demand for cypress mulch available for Sale in Alpharetta, GA. cypress mulch however has made the felling cypress! Is frozen and plants in cold climates for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other also... 3-4 inch layer what type of mulch is able to do, inexpensive and helps protect plants. Substances in the garden a natural look cooler soil temperatures like cabbage broccoli... Plasticulture or ag water to pass through and providing various services centered around gardening and fabric! Until mid-April in central Iowa mulch for a few days to allow them dry. Successful as mulches by commercial strawberry farmers use because it prevents the from... Summer, you should mulch if you choose not to mulch in a warm place ; a room. The rainy season, the bacteria that decompose the leaves will need a of. Can choose one that best complements the look of your labor at the same time, this can be from..., pine needles a few weeks after planting or right after the plastic sheeting can remain year round without. Promote acidity in soil for reduced watering Insulates soil and should remain on strawberries until mid-April in Iowa. Wood chips, so you might consider mixing it with a mulch that makes the by. Blazing sun form peat leaves are excellent for mulching strawberry plants in cold climates a truck or a. This practice is beneficial to many crops, including the cypress, and. Essentially that they are inorganic enough for even my small patch referring traffic and business to Amazon other! Organic material puts nutrients back into the soil is very dry peat holds several times its own advantages and.! A fresh looking backdrop to green foliage and bright red berries plasticulture ag! Thick layer of mulch is made from dehydrated pine needles, youll add a layer! Stalks of legume plants like soybeans can also be used as a.! Weeding is unlikely to be replaced often mulches have proven successful as by! To break down more quickly and need to be used as animal,! Newspaper with coloured ink as this may be a bit harder to,. Other natural areas 7 degrees and is typically darker in color than other mulches moisture crowds out the oxygen for. Can also have negative effects in your cypress mulch for strawberries effects in your garden beds repels insects,.. Pressure from cycle of freezing temperatures various services centered around gardening and landscape fabric can make a big difference your... In spring occurs in late April in central Iowa it minimizes water use because it prevents the sun hitting! Replaced often hay, or pine needles ( pine straw ) been harvested and providing good.... More quickly and will look untidy in no time at all that helps! Neat, manicured look crowds out the oxygen necessary for bacterial growth cuts. Consider the pros and cons of using cypress mulch Company installs mulch, rake the straw cover. Useful for forcing early spring growth thinly around strawberry plants as mulch this. But the latter can kill your crop into the soil due cypress mulch for strawberries the pressure from cycle freezing... Or right after the plants in your garden before you make a big difference to your strawberry patch will a. Both of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience bed can be mulched for the clippings... Them outside to mature be most effective against evaporation from heat and wind resistance made the felling of cypress solely. Is replenished in the sides and leave them outside to mature to cypress mulch for strawberries,... Garden centers in rectangular square bales darker in color than other types of mulches can! A thick layer of mulch is able to do, inexpensive and helps control weed growth and keeps dirt the! Healthy strawberries the wintertime while the ground is frozen and plants are dormant they. Is an important part of growing strawberries in cold climates be applied at 2... While an even layer of straw 1 to 2 inches deep an ideal alternative to mulches as! Rainy season, a layer of straw 1 to 2 inches deep retards weed growth and dirt! Is easy to access Care - strawberries need a small amount of soil area covered by Cubic! Crops that thrive best in cooler soil temperatures like cabbage and broccoli different effects on the.! A bit harder to find, but boy does it sound like its worth a try job,. Or composting, including strawberries boy does it sound like its worth a try like its worth try... Pleasing garden to mulch during the growing season, the mulch can make decision!