Lava mulch is an ideal soil improvement agent. The fine grains prevent heavy soil from solidifying and optimize the water and air balance of the substrate. In the following article we will explain why the material is also good for preventing weed growth, what this product is and how to use it correctly.
How does lava mulch help against weed growth?
Lava mulch against weeds is effective because it makes it more difficult for weed seeds to germinate while improving soil quality. Due to its granular structure and quick drying, weed roots find it difficult to gain a foothold and cannot spread.
What is lava mulch?
Lava mulch is a natural product made from solidified lava. Finely grained, it has a high mineral content and, unlike other mulching materials, does not rot. It is also odorless.
The small grains are naturally reddish-brown in color. Lava mulch is commercially available in different tones, so that the material can be coordinated with the color of paving slabs and garden interiors.
A grain size of 2 to 8 or 8 to 12 millimeters has proven to be effective. The stones should not be larger, otherwise it will be difficult to plant ornamental plants.
How does lava mulch work against weeds?
Lava mulch acts like a drainage layer. The bed surface dries quickly and water is not stored. This makes it difficult for weed seeds to germinate. The granular structure makes it very difficult for the fine roots to gain support, meaning that the weeds cannot develop properly. In a bed covered with lava mulch, weeding is a thing of the past.
At the same time, ornamental and crop plants grow more vigorously by improving the soil climate. Since the small grains can store water and release it slowly into the soil, waterlogging that damages the roots is a thing of the past. Even during hot periods, the ornamental plants find optimal conditions.
How is lava mulch applied?
Laval mulch is ideal for preventing weeds. Apply the material as follows:
- It is important that you remove weeds very thoroughly before spreading the lava mulch.
- Plant the bed first, as inserting plants is more difficult when the mulch layer has been applied.
- To sustainably curb weed growth, you should spread a five to eight centimeter thick layer of lava mulch on the soil.
Tip
This mulching material is also suitable for sprinkling along paths, for example in vegetable beds. Even if it has rained, the material on the surface remains dry and you can enter the bed at any time. Stones that are removed from the sides of the bed do not pose a problem. On the contrary, as already described, the soil structure is even improved.
