Usually plants do not need any additional cover and keeping them open is usually sufficient. Find out here in which situations you should still cover your potting soil and which materials you should ideally use for this.
What do I cover potting soil with to protect against fungus gnats?
Use athicker layer of fine sand (for example bird sand) or gravel to cover the soil of your houseplants. This means that the soil dries out more quickly and does not remain permanently moist. The fungus gnat cannot lay its eggs and moves on.
Do I have to cover potting soil?
Basically, you don't have to cover your potting soil. Most plants dovery well without a layer of mulch or other coverings. In some cases, however, covering the top layer of soil can support the growth of the plants or make care easier. This means, for example, that you have to water less or that you can also cultivate drought-loving plants in environments that are too humid. When covering your potting soil, always consider the needs of each plant and the advantages and disadvantages of the covering method.
How do you cover potting soil to prevent it from drying out?
Potting soil is at risk of drying out, especially in summer on the terrace or balcony. However, you can prevent excessive evaporation with asufficiently thick layer of mulch. This means you have to water less frequently and can save water. At the same time the floor is cooled. Plants whose soil must not dry out should be mulched in particular. The mulch should consist of a non-rotting organic material. The classic bark mulch is suitable for this, but also actual “garden waste” such as shredded material.
Which potting soil cover is suitable to protect against moisture?
Some plants, such as cacti and rock garden plants, do not need to be protected from drying out, but rather from excessive water supply. For example, you can use an air and water permeable stone orgravel layer in the flower pot to ensure increased evaporation to create ideal conditions for these plants. The stones also store heat and can release it to the plants at night for more even temperature control. Stones are also durable and do not rot.
What other benefits does covering the potting soil bring?
- With a cover you can protect cold-sensitive plants from cold damage to the root area in winter.
- In the open field, a sufficiently thick layer of mulch prevents weed growth.
- Mulch can improve soil quality and provide important nutrients such as potassium and nitrogen as well as loosen the soil.
Tip
How to get rid of fungus gnats without covering the potting soil
You can also get rid of the little black flies with alternatives from the garden center. With yellow traps, also known as yellow boards, you can catch adult animals that are no longer able to lay eggs. Neem oil (from the neem tree) works against the larvae. Nematodes (microscopically small roundworms), which attack the fungus gnat larvae but are harmless to people and pets, help against a severe infestation.
