When temperatures oscillate between 12 and 24 degrees and the evening humidity makes itself felt, the mulch of September is the right move to protect the roses: 4 cm of cortex are enough and a 30 g dose per mature stable plant. A simple but powerful combination, which reduces the formation of mold and prevents thermal changes between day and night. Tested on flower beds exposed to the west successfully.
September is the month of half measures. Summer is not yet entirely over, but autumn begins to be felt on the cooler nights. And it is precisely in this period that the rose They begin to hear the first signs of thermal stress. The mulch can make a huge difference: it is like putting a light blanket at the right time. Not too much, not too little. The right layer to keep the soil stable, breathed and protected.
The practice of mulching is certainly not new, but September has its own needs. It is not just about keeping the weeds away, but of Avoid stagnation, preserve the microbial flora soil e Dab the overhangs Between heat and humidity. With some precautions, it is possible to prepare roses for a healthier autumn, also reducing the risk of oid e rust.
Because the mulch of the roses in September is crucial
The moment is delicate: the days remain mild, but the thermal excursions can exceed 10 ° C in a few hours. The roses, especially those trimmed, are in full activity and absorb humidity as sponges. That’s why a natural mattress It is essential. The effect of mulching in this phase is twofold. On the one hand it maintains constant humidity and helps the roots not to be affected by peaks too much. On the other, he limits the direct contact between the ground and the basal leaves, creating a physical barrier against fungal spores. In short, a small natural shield.
After all, who has never seen the leaves of the roses suddenly stain in September? It takes little to compromise a late flowering. And often that little is just a naked soil, exposed to water sketches and temperature variations.
Which materials to use to pack well
The choice of materials makes the difference. It is not enough to throw some dry leaves and hope that it is enough. September requires attention.
Better to opt for:
- Pine cortex: stable, resistant, aesthetically pleasant.
- Chopped dry leaves: to be used only if well dry.
- Fine straw: Excellent for perspiration.
- Ripe compost: improves the soil structure.
- Peller stable: to be used in moderation.
- Chips of ramaglie: only if well decomposed.
The important thing is that the material is draining e does not favor mold. The ideal mix, tested on mixed flower beds, includes a layer of 3–4 cm Well distributed and slightly moved to the surface to avoid compacts.
Necessary to start immediately
Preparing is simple, only a little organization is needed. Even those who only have the free weekend can find a moment to fix the flower beds.
Here’s what cannot be missing:
- Fuck or large teeth rake.
- Palette to distribute the material.
- Watering can with thin spout.
- Compost or mature manure.
- Material for mulching (cortex, straw, etc.).
- Gardening gloves.
Better to work in the morning, when the ground is drier and the plants less stressed. They are enough 20 minutes for flower bed To do a good job.
Quick steps for an effective mulch of the roses
Simple, but not trivial. Those who tried at least once know that the details make the difference.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the old leaves And the weeds around the plant.
- Slightly launch the ground to ventilate.
- Add compost or a handful of stable.
- Distribute the Pacciamante material uniformly.
- Avoid direct contact with the collar of the plant.
- Water slightlyif the ground is too dry.
Nothing too complex, but every step matters. A badly distributed mulch can create more problems than benefits.
Errors to avoid (even if they look harmless)
Some mistakes are more common than you think. It happens to everyone to underestimate certain details, especially when you go in a hurry or rely on intuition. Better to avoid them immediately:
- Mulch too thick (over 5 cm).
- Apply material not decomposed o umido.
- Pacciamare close to the collar.
- Use fresh sawdust.
- Forget about Clean well before.
- Leave weeds under the mulch.
After all, a little inattention is enough to find yourself with mold, rotten or parasites. And at that point, goodbye healthy roses.
When and where to do it (the best time)
The ideal period for packing is between the before and the third week of Septemberwhen the days are still stable but night humidity begins to rise.
The best areas are those exposed to the south or westbecause they benefit from more light and dry better after the rains. Instead, avoid abundant mulching in shady and humid corners, where water tends to stagnate.
A simple trick? Tasting the ground in the late afternoon: if it is warm and still dry, it is the perfect moment.
Maintenance and subsequent controls of the roses
The mulch is not a one -off move. It’s a bit like checking the fire under a pot: if you let it go without attention, you risk burning everything. Serve constant care.
Every 10 days it is better:
- Verify that it has not compacted.
- Remove any mushrooms or mold.
- Add a little material if it dropped too much.
- Check that there are no insects under the layer.
In case of abundant rains, it is useful to slightly raise the mulch to encourage drying. Better prevent than find yourself with the rotten collar.
The difference between a rose holding until November and one that collapses in October is also here. A small gesture every now and then, and the garden thanks.
A advice not to be underestimated
During a test conducted in a hilly garden exposed to winds from the North-West, it emerged that a light layer of straw mixed with dry leaves It reduced the appearance of foliage spots by 40%. A remarkable result, considering the simplicity of the method.
For those who have been cultivating Rose for years, the September mulch is almost a ritual. But even those who are beginners can take great benefits.
It takes a little to do a lot.
Photo © Stock.adobe and Ai
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