As it has been left at its own means for quite a while now, there was a strong risk of weeds overtaking my herb plants.

I’ve decided to make use of mulching to avoid the issue. Mulching means covering the soil around the plants you’re growing so that weeds would not have enough light to grow. Mulching also allows the soil to retain moisture for longer creating a favourable environment for the plants to grow in and reducing the need to water the herb patch. 

Mulching is a technique extensively used by big production vegetable and berry growers, those who cater for the great public and need therefore to sell clean spotless produce (this is particularly true for strawberry growers). Large pieces of dark plastic or nonwoven fabric are laid on the ground and cross cut where the plant is going to be placed. The negative aspect of this method, and main reason for which I have discarded it, it the extensive use of artificial non biodegradable material which wouldn’t suit our farm.

The more natural approach to mulching calls for the use of straw or dead leaves to cover the ground. As wheat growers, at Monna Giovannella we have easy access to straw so that seemed like the best solution to me.

I have prepared the land strip by working the ground, making it light and airy, so that the roots could grown nice and strong without too much effort. I have then planted the herbs and watered the whole area well. Lastly I have covered the ground with a thick layer of straw making sure no spot was left uncovered.

The use of straw or other natural material, together with being a great isolating agent and reducing the need for watering the patch, reintroduces fibres and nutrients to the soil and its microorganisms when decomposing. The only negative side is that, when the mulching is dry the wind could end up by uncovering some of the ground, nothing that a little of attention and care can’t keep under control though.

Other natural material used for mulching are bark and lapilli, often chosen for aesthetic reasons.