Bark mulch looks pretty and has a beneficial effect on the climate in the rose bed, right? Find out below whether bark mulch is good or bad for your rose bed and what alternatives there are.
Is bark mulch good for rose beds?
Bark mulch can be used for rose beds, but it is recommended to only apply a thin layer. A better alternative is bark humus or compost, as they decompose more quickly and provide more nutrients. A combination of compost and a thin layer of bark mulch or gravel is also conceivable.
Bark mulch for rose beds: The advantages and disadvantages
Bark mulch doesn't just look beautiful. It is used to protect the soil from drying out and to inhibit weed growth. Bark mulch decomposes over time and provides an optimal habitat for microorganisms such as earthworms. It also creates a slightly acidic soil, which roses like very much. However, in addition to these two beneficial effects, it also has a secondary, undesirable effect: the mulch layer prevents the supply of oxygen and thus inhibits the work of aerobic microbes supply the soil with nutrients. Instead, anaerobic bacteria now begin to decompose the soil. This creates substances that harm roses, such as ammonia.
Bark mulch yes or no?
In general, you can use bark mulch on your rose beds, but it is advisable to only apply a thin layer. This then has more of a visual effect than a practical one.
The he althy alternative for rose beds: bark humus
Instead of bark mulch, you should pamper your rose bed with bark humus. This decomposes more quickly and thus ensures sufficient nutrients in the soil. Alternatively, you can spread compost around the roots of your roses.
Tip
If you want to provide your roses with nutrients but at the same time want to preserve the beautiful visual effect of bark mulch, combine compost or bark humus with a thin layer of bark mulch. It is also conceivable that you cover your rose bed with gravel. This looks nice, allows oxygen to reach the soil and also retains some moisture.
