How to properly mulch tomatoes in a greenhouse with cut grass and other materials

Doing a great job in the process of growing tomatoes, every summer resident wants to get the best harvest possible. At some point, the question arises: is it possible to somehow facilitate labor and increase the return on land? Yes, there are such methods, and one of them is an effective agricultural technique called "mulching". He will be discussed in this article.

What is mulching

Mulching is laying on the surface of the garden any material of organic or inorganic origin. It plays an important role in creating a soil microclimate, preventing drying out, and at the same time allows oxygen to penetrate inside.

Thanks to mulching, the topsoil does not overheat in summer. In winter, he saves the earth from freezing, in spring and autumn it resists rains and floods. It also helps control weeds.

Why mulch tomatoes

Tomatoes can grow without mulching. The difference will be in the quality and quantity of the crop. It benefits vegetables and makes it easier to care for them.

The benefits of mulch and its varieties

Mulching prevents rapid evaporation of moisture and the formation of a crust on the upper soil layer, which hinders air circulation. Weeds do not grow so actively under its layer, since it does not let the sun's rays through.

The organic cover is gradually converted into fertilizer itself, which has a positive effect on the fertility of the land. In addition, it creates good conditions for the life of earthworms.

Organic types of mulch include:

• fallen leaves;
• hay, straw and freshly cut grass;
• sawdust, wood chips and crushed bark;
• coniferous legs;
• compost, etc.

Inorganic species include:

• film;
• stone, gravel, crushed stone;
• newspaper and cardboard;
• garden covering material of non-woven type.

How to mulch tomatoes in a greenhouse

The greenhouse creates an enclosed space with an elevated temperature. It is characterized by increased evaporation of moisture - mulching allows you to slow down this process. Therefore, it is relevant in greenhouses.

The most suitable materials for shelter are hay, straw, grass cuttings.

Tomato seedlings are planted first, then watered, after the earth is loosened, then the prepared material is covered.

Mulching tomatoes in the open field

Without the use of a greenhouse, the land is more exposed to wind, sun, water. The formation of a hard crust on the surface is bad for plant growth. Regular loosening is necessary to ensure air access to the roots. Therefore mulching in the open field even more is needed than in closed beds.

You can more safely use film and other materials.It is advisable to use black film with the addition of straw or sawdust to prevent overheating of the earth.

The power of the sun's rays in open ground is greater, so the covering material must be laid in a layer of at least 5 cm in order to reduce the growth of weeds.

Choosing a material for mulching in a greenhouse

Before proceeding with mulching, it is worth deciding on the material.In addition, you should familiarize yourself with its positive and negative properties.

Freshly cut grass

Mulching tomatoes in a greenhouse with cut grass should not be done right away, since it, caking, forms a crust that does not allow air to pass through, and easily rots. First, dry it slightly.

Lay it in a layer of 5-7 cm on previously weeded and watered beds, leaving the root zone and plant stems free.

Gradually, under the influence of microorganisms and the vital activity of earthworms, the cover layer will decrease, so it will be necessary to report the grass from above.

Hay and straw

Covering material is laid out immediately after planting the seedlings: straw with a layer of 10-15 cm, hay with a thinner layer of 5-10 cm. As it subsides, it is laid.

There are differences between hay and straw as mulching methods.

Hay:

• it is easy to prepare it - just mow it in your own area;
• quickly decomposes, fertilizing the soil; must be reported during the season;
• keeps heat and moisture well;
• allows the earth to breathe;
• contains weed seeds, which leads to their reproduction;
• attracts slugs and other insects.

Straw:

• because of the dense structure in the greenhouse, it begins to rot;
• does not fertilize the soil;
• does not contain seeds;
• does not cake, one layer is enough for the whole season;
• activates the development of soil microbes, which leads to a decrease in nitrogen in the soil.

Newspapers and cardboard

It is better to refuse newspapers, as they contain paint. The cardboard must be unpainted. You can use it whole - by cutting a hole for each plant, or you can grind it.

When used as a whole, after installation, it is advisable to place heavy objects on top or sprinkle it with earth so that the wind does not blow away.

At high humidity, the cardboard becomes moldy, soggy and attracts slugs.

Compost

Good material for mulching. It is not recommended to use it in its pure form; it should be mixed with other organic materials (sawdust, grass). The disadvantage is that it contains too many nutrients, which causes strong growth of greenery and reduces the amount of ovary.

Leaves and needles

Leaf mulching is the simplest and most effective way. They help retain heat and water. Rotting, they turn into a fertilizer rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, nitrogen.

The covering made of pine needles retains moisture well and protects weeds... There is no need to frequently renew the layer with new needles, as, being on the surface, they rot slowly.

Sawdust

By allowing air to pass through, they allow plants to breathe, retard the growth of weeds. Over time, they themselves turn into an earthy mass.

Sawdust mulching is good for potatoes, raspberries and tomato.

Important. In the process of rotting sawdust, bark and shavings, nitrogen is additionally pulled out of the ground. So that the plants do not experience its lack, it is necessary to feed with nitrogen fertilizers.

Inorganic materials

When using the film, it is worth choosing an opaque one - it will restrain the growth of weeds. The film is suitable for the cold season; in the hot summer it will have to be removed so that the seedlings do not get out.

A non-woven covering fabric has proven itself well. It has a long service life - up to five years, it protects well from rot and pests, it allows moisture and air to pass through.

Stone, gravel, crushed stone are more of a decorative function. Weeds sprout through them. For weeding, it will be necessary to remove the entire layer, and then re-lay.

What can not mulch tomatoes in a greenhouse

Do not use roofing material in this case. It does not let moisture through to either side. Slugs gather under it, it gets very hot in the sun, which will harm the roots of plants. It should be noted that when heated, it emits harmful substances, including carcinogens.

Coniferous sawdust, branches, wood chips should be carefully used in the greenhouse, as they oxidize the ground.For the same reason, you should not add clean peat - mix it with compost.

Terms and rules

Timing for mulching in a greenhouse depends on its type: heated or not. In a heated room, it can be done at any time when the seedlings are planted. Unheated - when the threat of frost has passed.

If organic material is used, it is laid after planting. Free space is left around the seedling. When placing the inorganic material, cross-shaped slots are made in it, into which the seedlings are planted.

Tips & Tricks

Based on the feedback from experienced gardeners, we offer you some tips that will help you in the mulching process:

1. All types of covering material are laid out on a prepared priming - weeded and watered.
2. When harvesting grass, it is best to mow it before the seeds form.
3. Do not use oak, walnut and poplar leaves as a covering material. They contain growth inhibitors that inhibit plant development.
4. When weeds grow through the covering material, it is not necessary to pull them out. Can be simply cut, beveled and stacked on top.
5. When using sawdust, add chalk or hydrated lime to prevent soil oxidation.

Conclusion

Mulching tomatoes is an effective way to increase yields and make it easier for yourself to work in a greenhouse. There are many materials of various origins that are suitable for mulching tomato beds. However, regular hay and straw remain the best options.