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<title>Natural gardening - Seezon UK</title>
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<title>Guide to preparing soil for Spring</title>
<link>https://www.seezon.co.uk/guide-to-preparing-soil-for-spring/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 08:10:14 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Natural gardening]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[guide]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[guide to preparing soil]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[spring guide]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[removing weeds]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[phostrogen fertiliser]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fertiliser]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[maxicrop fertiliser]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weeds]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[what to do with lawn spring]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[soil]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[preparing soil]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.seezon.co.uk/?p=53315</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Healthy soil is essential for healthy plants, so it is important to know what soil type you have before you start preparing your garden for spring. First things first – know your soil! Knowing your garden’s soil type is crucial for maximizing your plant growth and yield. Each soil type has different planting methods and […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/guide-to-preparing-soil-for-spring/">Guide to preparing soil for Spring</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p>Healthy soil is essential for healthy plants, so it is important to know what soil type you have before you start preparing your garden for spring.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>First things first – know your soil!</strong></h2>
<p>Knowing your garden’s soil type is crucial for maximizing your plant growth and yield. Each soil type has different planting methods and will support plants in a variety of ways.</p>
<p>There 4 main types of soil are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Clay: heavy soil that is high in nutrients, and able to retain moisture.</li>
<li>Sandy: light texture, low in nutrients and dry out quicker than a heavier soil, making them easy to cultivate.</li>
<li>Silty: retains more moisture than sandy soil and is more fertile and fuller of nutrients.</li>
<li>Chalky: ranges in consistency, but tends to be rich in calcium carbonate, making it very alkaline.</li>
</ul>
<p>It is also important to know the pH level in your soil. Knowing the soil’s pH level helps determine if it’s acidic, neutral, or alkaline, making it easier to decide what to plant.</p>
<ul>
<li>0-6 is acidic.</li>
<li>7 is neutral.</li>
<li>8-14 is alkaline.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Create space to grow, by removing weeds</strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="684" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-3-1024x684.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-53320" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-3-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-3-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-3-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-3.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<p>Once you know what type of soil you have, the next step is to start removing weeds from borders and beds. It’s a good idea to remove dead or unwanted vegetation and make sure beds have no plants or coverings.</p>
<p>To clear the soil, loosen it with a fork, allowing oxygen into the compost, remove stones, and break down soil lumps.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Check for pests to avoid them causing damage later</strong></h2>
<p>Make sure you inspect the soil and any perennial plants for any hibernating pests now! If you leave these, they will start hatching as the weather warms up and cause havoc in your garden.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Feed the soil with a nutritionally balanced fertiliser</strong></h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-1-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-53316" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Guide-to-preparing-soil-for-Spring-1.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<p>Soil has nutrients for plants, but even rich soil can run out over time. Plants take in nutrients from the soil, so they need a balanced fertilizer to replace them. There are 3 key elements within a fertiliser that help your plants, which is referred to as an NPK. Each fertiliser has different levels of NPK in them, each with a different focus point. The elements within an NPK are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Nitrogen: for promoting healthy green foliage</li>
<li>Phosphorus: for developing a strong, healthy root system</li>
<li>Potassium: for abundant crops & flowers with increased hardiness and resistance to disease</li>
</ul>
<p>Choose from a variety of fertilisers like <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/brand/phostrogen-and-toprose-brand-page/">Phostrogen®</a> and <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/brand/maxicrop/">Maxicrop®</a> to get the best results from your spring gardening. By doing this, you will produce humus, a valuable substance packed with nutrients that will enhance your soil and plants.</p>
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<smartfire-component name='post-insert' attributes="{"postId":53288,"categoryId":23,"post":{"id":53288,"title":"Guide to preparing your lawn","categories":[{"term_id":23,"name":"Lawn","slug":"lawn","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":23,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":51,"count":7,"filter":"raw","term_order":"3"}],"author":"admin","link":"https:\/\/www.seezon.co.uk\/guide-to-preparing-your-lawn\/","thumbnail":{"title":"preparing your lawn","url":"https:\/\/www.seezon.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/03\/preparing-your-lawn-1_optimized-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"date":"2025-03-07","readingTime":3,"excerpt":"During Winter months of low light and wet and windy weather, it\u2019s not unusual for lawns to look worse for wear after battling the tough conditions of winter. As we welcome Spring and the return of brighter, balmier days, it is the perfect time to give your lawn some care and attention. Here are some [&hellip;]"}}"></smartfire-component><p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/guide-to-preparing-soil-for-spring/">Guide to preparing soil for Spring</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
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</item>
<item>
<title>Why use natural gardening methods </title>
<link>https://www.seezon.co.uk/why-use-natural-gardening/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Seezon]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:48:06 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Fruits & vegetables]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Garden advice]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Flowers & trees]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lawn]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural gardening]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.seezon.co.uk/?p=1392</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Natural gardening makes it possible to produce crops that taste good and are good for your health. Preserving biodiversity, protecting, and nourishing the soil and plants without using chemicals are the basics of natural gardening.  Everything you need to know about natural gardening  The gardener is part of a whole, he must learn to work […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/why-use-natural-gardening/">Why use natural gardening methods </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Natural gardening makes it possible to produce crops that taste good and are good for your health. Preserving biodiversity, protecting, and nourishing the soil and plants without using chemicals are the basics of natural gardening. </p>
<p><strong>Everything you need to know about natural gardening</strong> </p>
<p>The gardener is part of a whole, he must learn to work with nature rather than trying to control it. By preserving or promoting biodiversity, the garden will regain a beautiful balance that will be conducive to abundant harvests, healthy, tasty and rich in nutrients, but also to obtaining a garden so full of flowers that it will be admired by all! </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="724" height="483" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-36.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1393" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-36.jpeg 724w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-36-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px" /></figure>
<p><strong>Restore balance in your garden</strong> </p>
<p>In nature, plants grow without human intervention. The soil, rich in life and always supplied with organic matter, is able to receive plants that settle there spontaneously. This last notion is important because plants settle where the conditions are most suitable for them to grow. Some will be satisfied with a poor and dry soil while others will need a fresh and humid soil. They can grow, flower and even produce fruit naturally. </p>
<p>The gardener often makes considerable efforts for a lesser return. In trying to do too much, he sometimes makes mistakes that cause fundamental imbalances resulting in a loss of biodiversity, a disrupted balance between prey and predators and the disappearance of pollinating insects. Bad gardening practices such as turning over the soil, destroying ecosystems or tracking down the smallest insect with phytosanitary products often have catastrophic results on cultivated plants, which have a much harder time growing than those left to their own devices in nature. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="726" height="481" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-38.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1397" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-38.jpeg 726w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-38-300x199.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 726px) 100vw, 726px" /></figure>
<p><strong>Make the best out of what already exists in your garden</strong> </p>
<p>Taking into account what exists in a garden is a fundamental notion for natural gardening. In each garden, there are positive and negative points that one must take advantage of or live with. Some parameters deserve to be particularly observed. </p>
<p>-The climate, the nature of the soil, the exposure are of course all important in the choice of plants that can be grown or not in this specific garden. For example, planting tropical plants or citrus fruits in an area where frost is common is a waste of time, energy and money. It is better to choose plants that are adapted to the soil because they do not need to be acclimated. Observe the plants that grow spontaneously, you will be able to deduce the nature of your soil and therefore choose plants that will grow better in your garden! </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1399" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>-Assessing the biodiversity is also very important. A large presence of birds, mammals or reptiles is a sign of a good balance. These predators will be able to deal with many pests naturally. Similarly, if pollinating insects are present in large numbers, they will ensure a good production of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, if diseases and pests are present in large numbers, this is evidence of an imbalance that will need to be corrected by promoting biodiversity, among other things. Evidence of an imbalance can also result from abiotic stress (change of environment) or from invasive pests. </p>
<p><strong>Make gardening easier</strong> </p>
<p>Observing, favoring biodiversity, taking the soil into great consideration and creating zones that welcome natural flora and fauna will ensure the return of a good balance in the garden. From this will come an ease of cultivation and maintenance for the gardener, who will have less to worry about maintenance and treatments. Everything becomes easy, with the result of abundant and succulent harvests and a garden in full bloom! </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Phostrogen | Top Tips for Matching Your Plant To The Right Area Of Your Garden" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xdZX0sbqFWU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tips on what suits different parts of the garden</figcaption></figure>
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<smartfire-component name='post-insert' attributes="{"postId":1365,"categoryId":0,"post":{"id":1365,"title":"Why and how to garden in favour of biodiversity\u00a0","categories":[{"term_id":51,"name":"Garden advice","slug":"garden-advice","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":51,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":27,"filter":"raw","term_order":"2"},{"term_id":25,"name":"Natural gardening","slug":"natural-gardening","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":25,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":51,"count":6,"filter":"raw","term_order":"4"}],"author":"Seezon","link":"https:\/\/www.seezon.co.uk\/why-and-how-to-garden-in-favour-of-biodiversity\/","thumbnail":{"title":"Why and how to garden in favour of biodiversity","url":"https:\/\/www.seezon.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Medium-Seezon-Why-and-how-to-garden-in-favor-of-biodiversity-1-people-looking-plant-kid.jpeg","alt":"People looking at plants"},"date":"2022-12-23","readingTime":4,"excerpt":"A beautiful, flourishing, and abundant garden in summer is within the reach of all gardeners who know how to take into account the different elements that make up the garden and that ensure its balance. Encouraging biodiversity and respecting the garden&#8217;s ecosystems is a guarantee of success, limiting the constraints and maintenance tasks. It is [&hellip;]"}}"></smartfire-component>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/why-use-natural-gardening/">Why use natural gardening methods </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
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</item>
<item>
<title>Why and how to garden in favour of biodiversity </title>
<link>https://www.seezon.co.uk/why-and-how-to-garden-in-favour-of-biodiversity/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Seezon]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:58:12 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Garden advice]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural gardening]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Healthy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Insects]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.seezon.co.uk/?p=1365</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>A beautiful, flourishing, and abundant garden in summer is within the reach of all gardeners who know how to take into account the different elements that make up the garden and that ensure its balance. Encouraging biodiversity and respecting the garden’s ecosystems is a guarantee of success, limiting the constraints and maintenance tasks. It is […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/why-and-how-to-garden-in-favour-of-biodiversity/">Why and how to garden in favour of biodiversity </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>A beautiful, flourishing, and abundant garden in summer is within the reach of all gardeners who know how to take into account the different elements that make up the garden and that ensure its balance. Encouraging biodiversity and respecting the garden’s ecosystems is a guarantee of success, limiting the constraints and maintenance tasks. It is time to change our habits to fully enjoy a beautiful and healthy garden naturally! </p>
<p><strong>Prevent the appearance of pests and diseases</strong> </p>
<p>In summer, the heat and humidity favor the development of diseases and the proliferation of pests. Vigilance is required to prevent their appearance. </p>
<p>-Plant observation is important to solve the problem at its source and as soon as possible before it develops. An attentive and reactive gardener will not risk an invasion.<img decoding="async" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/b3cb86ab-29fe-4694-9161-fe3f7641e784"> </p>
<p>-Cut off and discard the affected parts of the plants. Never leave them on the ground to limit the risk of contamination, nor throw them in the compost to avoid contaminating it. </p>
<p>-Do not water the foliage of plants to limit the spread of cryptogamic diseases (caused by fungi). </p>
<p>-Feed and water the plants well so that they are not deficient or overfed. If they are suffering or growing too much, they will be more fragile. </p>
<p>-In the vegetable and ornamental garden, snails and slugs are attracted by water. Encourage the presence of their natural predators such as hedgehogs, certain birds or chickens if you are lucky enough to have a henhouse. Slugs usually feed on decaying plant material. If they are too numerous, it is a sign of imbalance in the garden. To keep them away from your crops, set aside a spot for various plant debris kept moist in a corner of the garden. </p>
<p>-Plant friendly plants such as carnations and marigold roses that keep many insects away. Use nasturtium to divert aphids from beans or ornamental plants, think of castor oil which attracts pests of solanaceous plants (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants…) and poisons them. </p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Encourage useful animals in the garden</strong> </p>
<p>Many animals that are often hunted are actually very useful in the garden. Preserving them helps to maintain a good balance between predators and pests that would otherwise swarm the garden. </p>
<p>Pollinating insects, mammals (foxes, shrews, bats, hedgehogs…), auxiliary insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds all have a regulatory function. If they are encouraged, the garden finds its balance and requires much less treatment. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="675" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-33-1024x675.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1366" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-33-1024x675.jpeg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-33-300x198.jpeg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-33-768x506.jpeg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-33-1536x1012.jpeg 1536w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-33.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p><strong>How to encourage the presence of useful animals in the garden?</strong> </p>
<p>-In summer, water and mulch the soil of the vegetable garden to preserve the earthworms which otherwise descend into the deep layers. Earthworms are the gardeners of the soil, they aerate the soil. Their galleries improve the penetration of water and nutrients into the soil. </p>
<p>-Create water features, such as a pond, a waterhole, or a simple fountain, to attract many beneficial animals to the garden in a sustainable way. </p>
<p>-Use compound hedges to take advantage of staggered flowering and provide shelter for pollinating insects, birds and small mammals, especially if the shrubs produce berries. </p>
<p>-Install insect hotels and nesting boxes for birds, bats and hedgehogs. </p>
<p>-Leave fallow spaces and create dry stone walls that attract discreet and useful fauna. </p>
<p>-If necessary, introduce auxiliary insects (lacewings, ladybugs, parasitoid wasps). You can find them in some garden centres, but also on many specialised websites. Be careful, the releases must be made at the beginning of the infestation. </p>
<p>-Scrupulously respect the rules for using biocontrol products to avoid harming the fauna. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="850" height="1024" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-34-850x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1368" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-34-850x1024.jpeg 850w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-34-249x300.jpeg 249w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-34-768x925.jpeg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-34-1275x1536.jpeg 1275w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-34.jpeg 1328w" sizes="(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px" /></figure>
<p><strong>Plants to attract beneficials</strong> </p>
<p>A space left uncultivated, even a small one, will allow biodiversity to grow naturally and to see plants that attract many gardeners’ helpers. Plants of the Apiaceae family (Umbelliferae) such as wild carrots, attract pollinating insects, but also ladybugs, parasitic wasps, hoverflies and lacewings. All these insects help to fight against aphids, thrips, mites, caterpillars and larvae of all kinds. </p>
<p>Nettles are very valuable because they are egg-laying areas for butterflies and attract ladybugs or cantharids. </p>
<p>Conclusion: An environment that is respected by the gardener will give back a hundredfold! Flowers in abundance, fruits and healthy vegetables will be obtained thanks to the active contribution of all the auxiliary animals of the gardener and by taking into account the good associations of plants. This natural gardening that favours biodiversity ensures healthier plants that are better able to manage summer weather conditions and possible absences due to vacations! </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1370" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/BR3758-At-The-Heart-Of-Growth-Photography-0684-min-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/why-and-how-to-garden-in-favour-of-biodiversity/">Why and how to garden in favour of biodiversity </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
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<title>Watering</title>
<link>https://www.seezon.co.uk/watering/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Seezon]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:39:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Flowers & trees]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Garden advice]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lawn]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural gardening]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Healthy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Watering]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Flower]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Vegetables]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.seezon.co.uk/?p=1355</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Watering is a key, necessary aspect to ensure a flourishing garden: plants are comprised of approximately 80% water, and its only means of drawing up nutrients from the soil, which it does by absorbing nutrients in a water-based solution through its roots. A few rules need to be followed to ensure proper watering. Just like […]</p>
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]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p id="viewer-foo">Watering is a key, necessary aspect to ensure a flourishing garden: plants are comprised of approximately 80% water, and its only means of drawing up nutrients from the soil, which it does by absorbing nutrients in a water-based solution through its roots. A few rules need to be followed to ensure proper watering. Just like too little water, too much can have a negative effect on plant growth.</p>
<p>With this guide, we give you practical tips to help you make your garden a blooming oasis and use the precious resource of water efficiently. </p>
<p>Proper watering plays a crucial role in the development of plants. Whether it’s houseplants, ornamental garden or vegetables gardens – it’s worth taking a closer look at the topic of watering so that you can develop the right watering approach for your garden. </p>
<p><strong>WHY DO WE WATER AT ALL?</strong> </p>
<p>Everyone knows that our plants need water to survive. But why is that and how do the plants absorb the water? In this article, we’ll explain how the nutrients that are essential for survival get from the water into the plant and why photosynthesis simply doesn’t work without water. But one step at a time… </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="723" height="483" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-30.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1356" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-30.jpeg 723w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-30-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px" /></figure>
<p><strong>WATER UPTAKE HAPPENS THROUGH THE ROOTS</strong> </p>
<p>Our plants absorb most of the water that is so important for them from the soil. To do this, a plant uses its roots. Depending on the type of plant, the development of the root system and the plant’s own ability to absorb water from the environment also varies: </p>
<p>• If a plant has a deep and extensive root system, it has more potential to access the precious moisture from its surroundings. Many trees and shrubs have such an extensive root system and are therefore virtually independent of our irrigation. Only in the growing phase after being planted do these plants need our support in absorbing water. After a year, most trees and shrubs have grown so well that, under normal circumstances, no additional watering is necessary. </p>
<p>• On the other hand, if the roots are merely fine and short, water can only be drawn from the nearby environment for absorption. This is true for quite a few annual plants and/or perennials and certainly pot plants. If drought persists, additional watering is necessary. Plants that respond quickly to a lack of water by drooping their leaves, such as hydrangeas, petunias or sunflowers, can act as indicator plants to give you a better sense of when to water. Over time, this will help you develop a natural sense of the plants’ needs. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="724" height="483" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-31.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1358" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-31.jpeg 724w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-31-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px" /></figure>
<p>The so-called capillary effect plays an essential role in water absorption. Through the fine root system, the nutrients dissolved in the water are absorbed into the plant’s core. In this way, all the essential nutrients enter the plant for further use. Important plant nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S). Iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl). </p>
<p><strong>FACTORS INFLUENCING IRRIGATION</strong> </p>
<p>We now know why plants need water and the ways in which it is provided. With this knowledge, we can now ensure to water our plants ourselves. However, the amount of water we should apply depends on various factors. </p>
<p>• Clearly, the plant itself determines how much water it needs. There are plants that are very frugal and require very little water – and there are also plants that require daily watering under certain conditions. For example, vegetables such as garlic, onions, shallots, asparagus and artichokes require little water, while squash, lettuce, tomatoes and cabbages require a lot of water. Consider this important plant characteristic in your planning and adapt it to the given location. </p>
<p>• The location of your plants will affect additional watering as well. Do your plants face north or south, are they exposed to wind and rain or are they sheltered? These are all important parameters that play a role in defining customized irrigation. In sunny and windy locations, plants evaporate much more water and thus need to be supplied with significantly more water. </p>
<p>• Different soil types differ in their ability to store water. Sandy soils, for example, can store significantly less water available to plants and have limited water-holding capacity. Clay soil, on the other hand, is very good at storing water in a way that is available to plants. A clay soil with a silty, clumpy texture that resembles coffee grounds is ideal. To maintain and improve the soil, you can regularly add some compost and turn it at the surface with a digging pitchfork from time to time. By interrupting the capillary action of the soil surface through tillage, the soil evaporates less water. A positive side effect is that weeds are thus prevented from growing and are undermined. Mulching is much easier and requires less effort. The soil is covered by a layer of mulch, which can consist of various materials, such as bark mulch, leaves or clippings, and at the same time is supplied with organic matter. This reduces evaporation from the soil and you can get by with much less watering all year! </p>
<p>• The more rain, the less we need to apply additional water. Therefore, a rain gauge makes sense in any garden to determine exactly how much water has entered the garden naturally. 1 mm of rain equals 1 liter of water per m². You will be surprised when you read the numbers on your meter: Heavy rainfall that lasts a few minutes often brings less water than a fine drizzle that lasts several hours. Rainwater is also better than tap water. It’s not as cold, it doesn’t contain chlorine, and it’s definitely less expensive – the ideal solution is to set up a rainwater collection tank. This reduces water consumption and is also easy on the wallet. </p>
<p>• Plants have different needs at different times of the year. Think in advance about the needs of plants at different times of the year and what watering measures should be taken. In autumn and winter, the weather conditions mean that less watering is needed than in spring and summer, when the amount of watering should be adapted to the climate. </p>
<p><strong>WATERING MISTAKES</strong> </p>
<p>The motto “a lot helps a lot” has become almost normal- but in addition to the right amount of water, there are other mistakes that are often made when watering plants. </p>
<p>• A common mistake gardeners make is watering at too high a frequency. In this case, plants do not develop their own root system to search deeper for water and become dependent on the surface water provided. The rule is: few intensive waterings that reach deeper soil layers are more useful than many small waterings that only irrigate the top soil layer. </p>
<p>• An incorrectly measured amount can, in the worst case, cause damage to our plants. If the plants are always offered too much water, the risk of waterlogging increases and the roots can rot. In addition, nutrients are unnecessarily flushed out. In addition to poor growth, this can even lead to the death of the plant. Check from time to time with a spade how deep the soil is moistened, in the vegetable garden or in the lawn this is easily possible. In addition, use a rain gauge – so you can easily determine whether you still need to water in addition to natural precipitation or not. Furthermore, there are moisture meters to measure the moisture in the soil and determine if and how much you should still water. </p>
<p>• When watering, especially in the summer months, make sure you do it at the right time. Watering in the early morning or evening is much more tolerable for your plants and for your wallet than in the blazing midday sun. That’s because water evaporates in bright sunlight before it can seep into the soil and be absorbed by the plants. </p>
<p>• Favour application with the good old watering can, drip systems at the base of the plant, or recessed irrigation systems for larger areas. Sprinkling or spraying plants uses more water and encourages disease, especially in tomatoes, potatoes and beans. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Phostrogen Top Tips for Watering" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iJd5BpxWszo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Phostrogen top tips for watering</figcaption></figure>
<smartfire-component name='post-insert' attributes="{"postId":1347,"categoryId":0,"post":{"id":1347,"title":"How to protect your soil all year round\u00a0","categories":[{"term_id":51,"name":"Garden advice","slug":"garden-advice","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":51,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":27,"filter":"raw","term_order":"2"},{"term_id":25,"name":"Natural gardening","slug":"natural-gardening","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":25,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":51,"count":6,"filter":"raw","term_order":"4"}],"author":"Seezon","link":"https:\/\/www.seezon.co.uk\/how-to-protect-your-soil-all-year-round\/","thumbnail":{"title":"Protecting soil","url":"https:\/\/www.seezon.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/image-28.jpeg","alt":"Protecting soil all year"},"date":"2022-12-23","readingTime":4,"excerpt":"A healthy soil is naturally more fertile. Protecting it with a permanent cover is necessary to maintain its biological balance and allow it to retain and produce essential nutrients for the crops.&nbsp; Soil is home to a wealth of life that must be preserved to keep the land fertile and capable of producing crops. A [&hellip;]"}}"></smartfire-component><p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/watering/">Watering</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
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</item>
<item>
<title>How to protect your soil all year round </title>
<link>https://www.seezon.co.uk/how-to-protect-your-soil-all-year-round/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Seezon]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2022 14:47:45 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Garden advice]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural gardening]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mulch]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.seezon.co.uk/?p=1347</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>A healthy soil is naturally more fertile. Protecting it with a permanent cover is necessary to maintain its biological balance and allow it to retain and produce essential nutrients for the crops.  Soil is home to a wealth of life that must be preserved to keep the land fertile and capable of producing crops. A […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/how-to-protect-your-soil-all-year-round/">How to protect your soil all year round </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>A healthy soil is naturally more fertile. Protecting it with a permanent cover is necessary to maintain its biological balance and allow it to retain and produce essential nutrients for the crops. </p>
<p>Soil is home to a wealth of life that must be preserved to keep the land fertile and capable of producing crops. A soil cover must be considered all year long using many methods. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="666" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-27-1024x666.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1348" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-27-1024x666.jpeg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-27-300x195.jpeg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-27-768x500.jpeg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-27.jpeg 1270w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p><strong>Benefits of covering the soil?</strong> </p>
<p>A good soil cover allows to reconstitute the natural process that we find in the form of litter in forests or in the form of wild plants in meadows. In nature, organic matter, such as dead leaves and other plant debris, falls to the ground and is transformed by living organisms on the soil surface and in the soil. </p>
<p>This organic matter acts as a shield, covering and protecting the soil against various climatic aggressions. Once decomposed, it also has the function of making the soil more fertile. </p>
<p>If the soil is not covered and therefore left bare between two crops, it becomes impoverished. The fauna it shelters is threatened because it is no longer fed. The soil becomes compacted, loses its capacity to absorb water properly and its nutrients are washed away (transported by rainwater). Its surface part is altered by rain and wind in winter. In summer, the soil heats up too quickly, cracks, the earthworms stay cool in the depths and no longer do their job of aerating the surface layers. </p>
<p>A soil that is constantly covered requires less maintenance and fewer weed killers. This means that weeds no longer compete for water and nutrients with cultivated plants. </p>
<p>Mulching also reduces the risk of diseases caused by fungi, such as mildew, whose spores pass into the soil during the winter. In late spring and summer, if the soil is not covered with a mulch, raindrops may spray these spores onto the leaves of crops, contaminating vines, lettuce or tomato plants. </p>
<p><strong>How to cover the soil?</strong> </p>
<p>There are several methods to cover the soil: </p>
<p>• spreading an organic mulch to protect the soil, boost its biological life and provide nutrients as it decomposes. A thick layer (from 5 to 10 cm depending on the mulch) will also slow down the growth of weeds; </p>
<p>• sow green manures. Depending on their specificities, these plants will help to loosen the soil by means of deep and pivotal roots, thus facilitating the penetration of water and air, </p>
<p>• Plant ground cover plants in the ornamental garden. These plants spread little by little, forming a carpet that requires little maintenance. They prevent the growth of weeds. </p>
<p>Different types of mulch and their specificities </p>
<p>• Straw, shredded leaves, hemp or flax chaff provide a carbon-rich cover. These materials can be used all year round but beware of nitrogen starvation in early spring! This can occur when a mulch is incorporated into the soil, which causes an imbalance in the soil due to an overly rich carbon supply. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-28-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1350" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-28-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-28-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-28-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-28.jpeg 1254w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>• Grass clippings or kitchen waste (fruit and vegetable peels cut into small pieces) spread directly on the ground are rich in nitrogen just like compost. They can be deposited throughout the year. </p>
<p>• Fresh manure from cattle, horses, or goats should be spread in the fall so that it has time to decompose before future planting. Fresh manure applied at planting may burn the roots of your plants. </p>
<p>• Mineral mulches are very durable. In addition to the aesthetic aspect of white pebbles or crushed slate, a mineral mulch ensures the conservation and restitution of heat to the most demanding plants (xerophilous plants, cacti). </p>
<p>If you need to modify the mechanical properties of the soil, choose mustard, phacelia, buckwheat, rye or oats whose roots will loosen the soil. </p>
<p>Ground covering plants </p>
<p>Ground covering plants are of great value in the ornamental garden because they limit the growth of wild grasses and spread quickly without requiring maintenance. They can replace grass where it does not grow well, cover the base of a hedge or a large tree or be planted in a remote area where maintenance is limited. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="671" aria-hidden="true" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-29-1024x671.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1352" srcset="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-29-1024x671.jpeg 1024w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-29-300x196.jpeg 300w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-29-768x503.jpeg 768w, https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/image-29.jpeg 1266w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>Conclusion: Covering the soil permanently is of crucial importance in natural gardening. Thus protected, it remains alive, easier to cultivate and much more fertile. Its ecosystem is preserved and much more abundant than in a bare soil which will end up impoverished and lose all its production capacities. Covering and protecting the soil is the best way to respect it and to learn to consider it differently than a simple support of culture without life. Once the balance is regained, you will be surprised by the results on your crops! </p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/how-to-protect-your-soil-all-year-round/">How to protect your soil all year round </a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
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<title>Everything you need to know about mulching</title>
<link>https://www.seezon.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mulching/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Seezon]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2022 14:31:52 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Garden advice]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural gardening]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mulch]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Natural]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.seezon.co.uk/?p=1343</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>This is a fundamental technique for the well being of your vegetable garden, and allows you to recreate the conditions of growth for vegetables as found in nature. More concretely, mulching in your garden involves covering the soil at the foot of your plants with hay comprising various materials of natural origin, organic and mineral. […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mulching/">Everything you need to know about mulching</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p>This is a fundamental technique for the well being of your vegetable garden, and allows you to recreate the conditions of growth for vegetables as found in nature.</p>
<p>More concretely, mulching in your garden involves covering the soil at the foot of your plants with hay comprising various materials of natural origin, organic and mineral.</p>
<p>You can apply this technique anywhere in the garden, buy must respect certain rules and choose the hay that is suitable to your plants to make this effective.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="500" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-mulching-4.jpg" alt="Mulching Strawberries" class="wp-image-1339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mulch around strawberry plants</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The benefits of mulching for your garden</h2>
<p>When undertaken properly, mulching will offer a series of advantages which will improve development of your plants and facilitate management of your vegetable garden.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Less watering :</strong> Bare soil facilitates evaporation of water and transpiration of plants. Natural mulching allows these phenomena to be limited and acts as a sponge for better absorption of water during rainy periods. It also has a thick covering role which keeps the land fresh and avoids it from drying out in summer.</li>
<li><strong>Avoids the slaking phenomenon :</strong><em><strong><a href="https://www.solabiol.com/en/understanding-your-soil-better-growth">Clay and limestone soils</a></strong></em> tend to become compact and form a crust on the surface after rain. Mulching your soil with vegetable produce, for instance, avoids this.</li>
<li><strong>Less weeding :</strong> Protecting your soil from light with mulching allows you to avoid proliferation of “weeds”. </li>
<li><strong>A more fertile soil :</strong> At the time of decomposition, your mulching will transform into humus and enrich your soil with essential nutrients for the growth of vegetables.</li>
<li><strong>Less muddy crops :</strong> our climbers (strawberries, cucumbers, melons) will not be in direct contact with the soil, but with the mulching. </li>
<li><strong>Favours life for your soil :</strong> Mulching offers a protective layer reducing temperature discrepancies and humidity. It favours the development of microbes at the surface which allows for release of nutrients necessary for development of vegetables (mineralisation).</li>
<li><strong>Reduces the risk of illness :</strong> The physical screen of mulching allows you to diminish the spread of illnesses during periods of rain when hitting the soil. This is notably the case of mildew spores which are projected onto leaves and twigs close to the soil.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to choose your mulching ?</h2>
<p>There are two different categories of mulching, mineral and organic. They include several different varieties and you should find that which is best suited to your soil or the type of plant you want to grow.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mineral mulching</h3>
<p>It is not biodegradable and its use is recommended for plants which are used to warm and dry climates.<br>We can distinguish between several varieties of mineral ulching such as crushed tiles, gravel, or flat stones. The most widely used remains pozzolan: this is a volcanic rock rich in silucon of which the alveoli structure constitutes solid thermic insulation.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.solabiol.com/sites/solabiol/files/inline-images/Pailler-une-solution-ecologique-et-economique_2_0.jpg" alt="Mineral mulching"/></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Organic mulching</h3>
<p>Beyond its function of protecting the soil, this type of mulching has fertilising properties when it breaks down and transforms into humus. It can be divided into two categories in line with its speed of decomposition.</p>
<p><strong>Long life mulching > 4 years </strong></p>
<p>These should be used as sustainable cultures which require little renewal such as trees, bushes and living plants. You should exclude them if you are looking for mulching for a vegetable garden.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wood chippings : </strong>These offer long term protection and you should provide fertiliser rich in nitrogen before spreading.</li>
<li><strong>Pine cones</strong> : These are recommended for acidic plants.</li>
<li><strong>Sizes of shrubs and pre-composted crushed bushes</strong> : If you have a crusher, transform your waste into mulching. However, make sure that you get rid of any conifer clippings so as to avoid adding acid to your soil.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.solabiol.com/sites/solabiol/files/inline-images/Pailler-une-solution-ecologique-et-economique_3_0.jpg" alt="Organic mulching"/></figure>
<p><strong>Mulching with an average lifespan < 4 years</strong></p>
<p>These may be used for all types of vegetables and for short-cycle crops. </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Grass cuttings :</strong> You can recycle your grass cuttings by turnip these into mulching. But consider limiting its thickness to several centimeters to avoid rotting.</li>
<li><strong>Not mature composts :</strong> To solely be used for already developed plants. Avoid contact with twigs and trunks so as not to lead to burns.</li>
<li><strong>Linen and hemp mulching :</strong> This mulching, which has an excellent thermic insulating power, is very good for mulching for vegetables gardens and living plants. Moreover, the almost neutral pH, or marginally acidic nature, makes this ideal for rose gardens.</li>
<li>Dead leaves : Their excellent C/N ratio allows you to naturally compost at the foot of plants.</li>
<li><strong>Buckwheat shells : </strong>Multi-purpose mulching which has a solid opacifying potential and repels slugs ad snails. It also allows you to limit reduction of othiorynques by its physical barrier.</li>
<li><strong>Vegetable original mulching fibres :</strong> This may be used to create mulching for living plants or a hedge. It allows water and oxygen through, but not light. This particularity allows it to be used on soil already invaded by “weeds” and to transform these into humus after several months.</li>
<li><strong>Cereal mulching : </strong>This is “traditional” mulching. However, it is difficult to find this which does not come from Organic Agriculture today. Moreover, the mulching tends to fly away and can also bring in other plant seeds which you do not wish to see in your garden (weeds).</li>
</ul>
<p>Here are some examples of the lifetime of organic mulching :</p>
<ul>
<li>Two to three years > linen mulching, sunflower seeds, buckwheat shells and hemp mulching.</li>
<li>Around one year > depending on their size: hay, leaves</li>
<li>Several weeks > Grass cuttings</li>
</ul>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.seezon.co.uk/edb1f410-3bd5-4588-ac47-18eb74a24f0c"></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br>How can you guarantee the success of your mulching ?</h2>
<p>Now that you know the type of mulching adapted to your plants and the desired term of protection, you will finally be able to mulch your soil. Here are some tips which will help you to know when and how to mulch :</p>
<ul>
<li>Do not mulch when it is windy.</li>
<li>Do not mulch on frozen soil, it will delay the reheating.</li>
<li>Mulch on a weed-free soil, unless you are using vegetable origin fibre mulching.</li>
<li>Abundantly water your soil before and after mulching.</li>
<li>Respect a minimum thickness of 5 to 10 cm. Aside foe buckwheat shells and hemp which have solid coverage power.</li>
<li>Separate your mulching into two or three passages before reaching the desired thickness so as to avoid smothering your young plants and vegetables.</li>
<li>Respect the gaps between your living plant areas so as they cover your mulching one or two years after planting.</li>
<li>Add 2 to 3cm of mulching each year to offset the losses when you use an organic mulching with a short lifetime.</li>
<li>If you want to incorporate your mulching onto soil, do so in the Autumn</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mulching/">Everything you need to know about mulching</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.seezon.co.uk">Seezon UK</a>.</p>
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