Mulching is the laying on the surface of beds with crops growing on them with certain materials in order to regulate the moist and air regime of the soil. This process is one of the favorite methods of truck farmers. Those who have recently started growing crops, the question arises: can mulch tomatoes with sawdust?
Benefits of mulching tomatoes with sawdust
Mulching tomato sawdust has the following advantages:
- increases yield by 25-30%;
- accelerates the process of maturing tomatoes for 1-2 weeks;
- enriches the poor in its composition of soil mineral fertilizers, which contributes to the development and maturation of fruits;
- the soil retains a loose state, which ensures the flow of air to the roots of plants;
- protection of the earth under tomatoes from direct sunlight, this prevents the germination of weeds;
- preservation of soil moisture, its upper layer does not dry out after watering;
- the exclusion of the development of phytophthora and other diseases.
Features of mulching with sawdust
Mulching tomatoes with sawdust can be carried out both in the greenhouse and in the open ground. In the first case, the process takes place somewhat earlier in time. For open ground, mulching can be done when the ground warms up well and the threat of strong nocturnal frost disappears.
For many gardeners, the actual question is: can the tomatoes be mulched with fresh sawdust? Fresh material will help to retain moisture in the soil and preserve its structure. This is especially good in arid and hot periods. However, the essential disadvantage is soil acidification.
The best option is to place sawdust for rotting in the compost pile. In a year they will be ready to use. There is another way - to mix them with compost, which will start and accelerate the process of decomposition. This will promote the formation of minerals.
Thus, mulching tomato sawdust will greatly facilitate the cultivation of tomatoes.