Using mulch in your veggie garden is one of the best tricks used by home gardeners. You may be familiar with using wood chip or bark mulch for your ornamental landscaping, but mulch also provides a lot of benefits to the veggie patch. In this article, we will look at the benefits of using mulch for your tomato plants.
Should I Mulch my Tomato Plants?
The short answer is yes.
Some of the benefits of Mulching are:
- Moisture Conservation: Mulching is great for all climates as moisture conservation is crucial. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering, which may be required as a result of water restrictions.
- Weed Suppression: Mulching is essential for suppressing weeds that may compete with tomatoes for nutrients.
- Temperature Regulation: Mulch acts as a buffer against extreme temperatures, providing a more stable environment for tomato roots.
- Protects soil from erosion: Like a blanket mulch protects the soil from erosion.
- Organic amendments: As the organic mulch breaks down it releases nutrients, provides organic amendments, and a friable structure to the soil.
- Decreases likelihood of disease: Mulch will prevent soil from splashing up onto the lower leaves of the tomato plant during rain or watering which may lead to soil-borne pathogens affecting your plant.
What Kind of Mulch is Best for Tomatoes?
- Sugar Cane Mulch: Widely available in Australia, sugar cane mulch is excellent for moisture retention and weed suppression.
- Lucerne (Alfalfa) Hay: Ideal for enriching the soil as it decomposes, providing a nutrient boost to tomato plants.
- Straw: Effective for moisture retention and weed suppression, straw is a classic choice.
- Leaf Mulch: Some say the best mulch for tomatoes. It is usually something you can get for free from fallen leaves in your garden.
- Living Mulch: Another option is to use a plant like Alyssum as a living mulch. The plant is a low-growing plant that will help suppress weeds and attract many beneficial insects with its prolific flowers. This is a good option for container gardening. Just simply sprinkle some seeds around the diameter of your pot.
IMPORTANT !!
SAFETY FIRST – Be sure to use a dust face mask when applying mulches especially for those mediums that are dry and dusty.
How to add Mulch Around Your Tomato Plants
- Mulch Depth: Apply a layer of mulch 5 – 8 cm (2-3 inches) deep around the base of tomato plants to reap maximum benefits.
- Leave a Gap: Avoid piling mulch against the stems to prevent moisture-related diseases. Leave a small circle of bare soil around each plant.
Watering and Fertilising Considerations:
- Drip Irrigation: Consider using drip irrigation under the mulch to deliver water directly to the roots.
- Fertilise: Always ensure you apply your fertiliser and compost under your mulch.
How Often do You Need to Mulch Tomato Plants?
- Regular Top-Ups: In hot, humid, and even dry climates mulches may break down more quickly. Regularly top up mulch to maintain its effectiveness.
Mulching is a game-changer for growing tomatoes. If your tomato plants are in the ground bare, then add some mulch this weekend, regardless of the time of the year. By mulching your tomato plants you’ll be one step closer to a bumper crop.
CULTIVATE, LEARN & ENJOY!