Mulching paths to conserve moisture in the soil?

[sprout]

I have divided my veg patch into 1m x 4m beds. In between are 60cm bare earth paths. There are some cracks in the paths, and have read that they can be mulched with a layer of newspaper and straw to reduce evaporation and maintain the moisture levels of the plot.

Has anyone done this, or do you have other suggestions please?

[Chantal]

I have straw on mine, mainly to keep down the weeds but I guess it's doing the mulch job too.

[sprout]

Chantal, how thick do you put your straw, and how do you stop it blowing away when you put it down? My veg patch is in the windy fens!

[Carole B.]

I've used newspaper about 5 pages thick and topped it with grass mowings collected from my own lawn and that of relatives who would only otherwise take it up the tip. I too am on a windy site and straw disappears over the hills unless you can keep it soaked.The grass stays put but can be a bit slippery if it's been in the bag too long!

[Chantal]

I put the straw down last autumn and it was thick enough to cover the ground completely; probably about an inch when trodden on, deeper when loose. It was a windy day when we spread it around and it didn't blow around much at all once it was down. Our plots are pretty exposed but it's never been a problem.

At the beginning of the year I raked most of the straw back off the beds and dug them over making the surplus straw into paths. It's worked well and looks tidy too.

[sprout]

Thanks both, once it cools down a bit I'll make with the bales!

[Jenny Green]

Another idea is to use woodchippings. I use these on the garden paths. I've just topped mine up after about 2 years. It costs about £50 from the council for a big trailer load.

[Piglet]

We do the same as Jenny but are fortunate enough for our council to drop loads off gratis. Its also nice in the wet not walking around in mud. When dry it also deters our slimy friends from moving around into my raised beds.

[Jenny Green]

Yes I find it very good stuff for paths. Far better than grass paths that you're constantly strimming and trimming and trying to stop them growing into the beds. My paths had just started to get weedy again but a 3 or 4 inch layer of woodchip will put paid to that. And slugs and snails don't seem to tolerate it.
I wish my council would supply them for free!

[lizzie]

I use woodchips too. As with Piglet, the council drops them off for gratis.

I layer it on about 5" and it does for over 12 months then. If anyweeds appear I just get my little sprayer out and nuke them.

[sprout]

My council don't deliver
Thanks for your encouragement, I started putting down the straw paths today

[peter]

Chantal, there is another use for that prized resource of yours, damping down your straw paths.

Yes I am taking the p.

[Chantal]

I'll have to start wearing skirts to the lottie Peter