Having a mulch, that is, a layer of material that covers the soil, is the norm for plants that grow in nature, for example in the woods: in these environments the soil is almost never visible because it is covered in pine needles, leaves, moss... well, these that at first glance might seem like intruders are actually great allies of young plants.

Mulch helps to better insulate the soil from cold and heat, creating a more comfortable environment for the roots and preventing moisture from dispersing too quickly. This means that those who use mulch for growing need to water their plants less often. At the same time, since mulch is a deposit of light material, air circulation remains guaranteed.

Mulching also has other benefits: it limits the growth of weeds, the circulation of pests and natural erosion of the soil.

Mulch can be used profitably in all outdoor crops, from tomatoes to flowers, to our beloved cannabis! But what are the best materials to protect our marijuana plants? Here they are:

Shredded bark

Wood chips

Hay

Mown grass

Dry leaves

Chopped green leaves

As you can see, mulching materials are simple and cheap to find and you can even use materials recovered from your garden.

Mulching significantly helps improve the soil and is therefore recommended before planting cannabis seeds. The ideal procedure to revitalize a somewhat poor soil and make it fertile is to apply a layer of compost, vermicompost (25 mm) or an aerated compost tea. Then, spread a coarse mulch of about 1000 mm and wait a week before planting the seeds. To plant, simply loosen the mulch a little and create an adequate furrow.

Some cannabis growers suggest that mulching can also be done when growing indoors, in pots. The process is recommended for those who have a grow room where they cannot control the temperature, which can therefore be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Mulch can be applied, delicately, when the cannabis is in the seedling stage (a newly sprouted plant). As in outdoor cultivation, even in indoor cultivation, mulching plays an important role in deterring midges and other annoying insects that circulate around damp soil.

In conclusion, mulching, widely tested to improve organic crops of vegetables and ornamental plants, can also be used profitably in the cultivation of cannabis, improving the soil and keeping pests away without resorting to chemicals.