Which mulch to choose for strawberry plants?

Straw

Undoubtedly the most widely used mulch in vegetable gardens for generations.

And for good reason, straw has many advantages: it’s lightweight, easy to handle and economical, and it effectively protects delicate small fruits like strawberries from dirt and soil splashes caused by heavy rain. It helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Moreover, it does a fairly good job at suppressing weed growth.

• Its effects on soil moisture: straw is an excellent insulator that keeps the soil cool and moist. It doesn’t create moisture, it retains it, preserving humidity if applied in late morning on already damp soil.
• Its drawbacks regarding pests and diseases: it can more easily attract slugs (and even snakes in rural areas!) if applied in too thick a layer.
• Minor drawbacks: it may cause nitrogen deficiency, as it’s rich in carbon (high C/N ratio). It’s harder to find in urban areas, be sure to use non-seeded straw, and it may contain weed seeds if not clean.

Quantity to use and mulch renewal

Apply a layer 5 to 10 cm thick. Not too much, not too little, as the thicker the mulch, the more it stays moist and risks attracting rodents. Straw decomposes quickly, requiring frequent renewal, often annually.

⊕ Our opinion: straw remains a classic choice and works perfectly for large strawberry beds in vegetable gardens. Ideally use it combined with grass clippings to limit nitrogen deficiency.

N.B.: hay can also be used, but it’s richer and decomposes faster than straw, with a higher risk of containing weed seeds.

Grass clippings

Another little treasure is within reach throughout the fine season when we mow the lawn. Collecting grass clippings and letting them dry makes for an effective, natural mulch… and so practical!

Fresh grass clippings are rich in nitrogen, particularly useful at the start of cultivation, and effectively complement drier mulches like straw. When spread in thin layers, clippings efficiently suppress weed growth while gently enriching the soil as they decompose. They also provide good thermal insulation and retain soil moisture.

• Effects on soil moisture: grass clippings retain soil moisture very well, especially if applied to already damp soil. By forming a dense layer, they reduce evaporation, which is helpful during hot or windy periods.
• Drawbacks regarding diseases/pests: if applied in too thick or too fresh a layer, clippings can ferment and attract slugs. They create a warm, humid medium that may encourage certain fungal diseases, particularly during frequent rainfall.
• Minor downsides: cut grass decomposes quickly and thus needs frequent replenishment. Additionally, its use requires having a lawn untreated with chemicals.

Quantity to use and mulch renewal

Apply regularly in thin successive layers during spring: spread clippings in thin layers of 2-3 cm maximum, slightly dried beforehand, as they ferment quickly, heat up, and suffocate the soil or attract slugs if left damp on the surface. You should let them dry slightly for a few hours in the sun before spreading. Replenish every two to three weeks in spring… or whenever you mow.

⊕ Our opinion : grass clippings make for highly effective short-term mulch, especially early in the season or as a complement to drier mulches like straw or wood chips. They stimulate the soil and prevent nitrogen deficiency but require slightly more careful application.

The BRF (Bois Raméal Fragmenté / Ramial Chipped Wood)

We often talk about it for mulching bush beds, RCW (ramial chipped wood) is wood chippings produced by shredding young branches. It can be used for strawberry plants, as the wood chippings mimic their natural environment, since strawberries originally grew as woodland plants. RCW suppresses weeds quite effectively while providing good soil aeration. Biodegradable, it improves soil structure in the long term and enriches it. It can therefore be considered for other crops besides strawberries.

• Effects on soil moisture: RCW forms an effective blanket bog against water evaporation. It helps the soil retain moisture while promoting the formation of stable humus over time. It is very useful for strawberry plants in summer or during dry spells.
• Disadvantages regarding diseases/pests: it attracts few slugs. Although it doesn’t directly encourage diseases, RCW can temporarily imbalance the soil (particularly the carbon/nitrogen ratio) and thus weaken young plants if used alone on poor soil.
• Minor drawbacks : it may cause nitrogen deficiency in the first few weeks. It should therefore be combined with good homemade compost or grass clippings to counteract this effect. It remains expensive if not produced at home using a shredder. Avoid using it immediately after planting or on newly planted strawberry plants.

Quantity to use and mulch renewal

Spread a layer of 4 to 6 cm between strawberry rows, ideally in autumn or early spring. It decomposes slowly and can last 2 to 3 seasons.

⊕ Our opinion: RCW is an excellent mulch for well-established strawberry beds. It structures the soil and retains moisture long-term, provided it’s combined with a nitrogen source initially (grass clippings, compost or manure). Slow to decompose, it’s useful for weekend gardeners who have little time to devote to their vegetable patch. And if you’ve nothing else to hand, it does the job very well!

Hemp, miscanthus or flax mulches

These are mulches that are now readily available in stores. They come in the form of pales. These ready-to-use organic mulches are increasingly popular for their effectiveness, aesthetics and durability. Sourced from agricultural crops or recycled fibres, they are biodegradable and easy to apply. These mulches are particularly recommended for heavy soil, as they improve its structure in the long term, reduce capping and stimulate soil life. They are also beneficial in regions with high rainfall.

• Their effects on soil moisture: highly effective at maintaining good humidity levels, these mulches create a light, airy barrier that protects the soil from drying out. Flax is particularly absorbent, while hemp also retains coolness well. It is advisable to water them thoroughly after laying so they adhere to the soil and perform their role effectively.
• Their drawbacks regarding diseases/pests: they are not conducive to the development of slugs or fungi. These mulches, especially miscanthus, are unappealing to pests. No known effects on relating to root diseases either.
• Minor drawbacks: they are more expensive than other organic mulches, particularly the compressed and packaged versions. Some products are imported and therefore less eco-friendly. Also check their purity (untreated or additive-free).

Quantity to use and mulch renewal

Apply a regular layer of 4 to 5 cm. This type of mulch generally lasts a full season, or even 18 months depending on weather conditions, before needing renewal. Water generously after installation to ensure it moistens quickly and begins its regulatory role.

⊕ Our opinion: these mulches are perfect for small areas, containers and balconies, thanks to their neat appearance and effectiveness against weeds. They offer an excellent compromise between ease of use, aesthetics and performance.

N.B.: all three are equally good, but flax is ideal for potted or container strawberries, as it is light, clean and very absorbent. Miscanthus is recommended for open fields or humid regions, as it is very durable, dense and unattractive to slugs. Hemp offers a good compromise, being easy to handle and quick to break down.

Miscanthus mulch

Planting mats

Also known as biodegradable mulching fabrics, they are often poorly suited to large areas such as strawberry fields, given their price. However, they represent a technical and sustainable solution, designed for long-lasting mulching, maintenance-free and plastic-free.

• Their effects on soil moisture : they effectively block evaporation while allowing water and air to circulate. The soil remains cooler, especially in summer. These fabrics also drastically reduce watering needs for strawberry plants.
• Their drawbacks regarding diseases/pests : very little negative impact: by limiting soil splashing, these felts even reduce the risk of strawberry contamination by soil fungi. Low attraction for pests.
• Minor drawbacks : their cost is higher, especially for 100% natural versions. Proper installation is required from the start (cutting, fixing). Some products are falsely “biodegradable” (always check labels).

Quantity to use and mulch renewal

Install the fabric cut to the size of the ranks or young plants, secured to the ground with staples. Lifespan: 1 to 3 years depending on the material.

⊕ Our opinion: felts are ideal for those who want clean, long-lasting and maintenance-free mulching. They are practical in urban environments for limited containers or small vegetable plots, where the extra cost is offset by ease of use.

→ Learn more in our articles: How to install biodegradable mulching fabric? and Mulching fabrics: pros and cons

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