Hey everyone! I've filled about half to two-thirds of my raised bed with various plants and have put some straw around them. However, I left one section uncovered. I'm wondering two things: Should I also put straw on the unused areas of my raised bed? And when I water deeply, is it better to move the straw aside so it doesn't get wet? Looking forward to your advice!
3 Answers
Definitely cover all areas with straw! It helps retain moisture and nutrients. You can water right over the straw; the water will seep through well enough without issues.
Yep, definitely cover the unused areas! It keeps the soil from drying out and maintains beneficial organisms in the soil. Just keep an eye out for pests, as straw can attract some garden critters.
Thank you!
I’m a fan of using straw as mulch too, but I did notice it attracted more slugs and earwigs to my garden. I tried traps and hand-picking them out, but it didn't really work. Plus, I mulched a bit too early last year, which stunted growth due to the cool ground. I'm using slug control this year while still applying mulch, which should help.
Thank you!