Why We Recommend Strulch for South Devon Gardens
At Ash and Bloom, we’re always looking for ways to make the gardens we care for more sustainable, low-maintenance, and thriving all year round. One product that’s really impressed us is Strulch, a garden mulch made from mineralised wheat straw.
It’s simple, natural, and surprisingly effective, it helps to keep weeds down, moisture in, and your garden looking neat and cared for.
What Is Strulch?
Strulch is an organic, peat-free mulch made here in the UK from wheat straw treated with minerals. This process gives it a longer life (around two years) and adds extra benefits for both soil and plants.
It’s light to handle, easy to spread, and perfect for borders, beds, and vegetable plots.
The Benefits of Using Strulch
1. Excellent weed suppression
A layer of Strulch helps block light from reaching the soil, making it much harder for weeds to germinate. That means less weeding and more time enjoying your garden.
2. Retains soil moisture
South Devon’s coastal weather can bring dry spells and strong winds that pull moisture from the soil. Strulch acts like a natural barrier, keeping the soil damp for longer and reducing how often you need to water.
3. Deters slugs and snails
Thanks to its mineral treatment, Strulch has a rough texture that slugs and snails avoid which makes it the ideal product for protecting delicate plants like hostas, vegetables, and young seedlings.
4. Improves soil structure
As it breaks down, Strulch adds valuable organic matter to the soil, helping to improve its structure and encourage healthy microbial life. Over time, it helps create a rich, living soil that supports stronger plants.
5. Sustainable and long-lasting
Made from renewable UK wheat straw and lasting up to two years, Strulch is an environmentally friendly choice that aligns with our focus on sustainable gardening.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While it has plenty of benefits, Strulch isn’t ideal for every situation.
It’s lightweight, so it can blow about in exposed gardens if not watered in or contained with edging. It’s also not suitable for paths or high-traffic areas, as it breaks down too quickly underfoot.
Appearance-wise, it has a natural straw look, which some love for its organic feel, but if you prefer a polished finish like bark chippings, it’s something to keep in mind.
Where We Recommend Using Strulch
At Ash and Bloom, we’ve found Strulch works best in:
Flower borders and shrub beds as it keeps moisture and weeds under control.
Vegetable and fruit gardens its ideal where slugs can be a problem.
Newly planted areas as it will help young plants establish by keeping the soil evenly moist.
Wildlife-friendly gardens as it adds organic matter without harming beneficial insects or hedgehogs.
Our Take
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance mulch that helps your garden thrive through every season, Strulch is well worth considering. It fits beautifully with the South Devon climate helping plants handle dry spells while keeping beds tidy and healthy.
Whether you’d like advice on how to apply it, or you’d prefer us to take care of it for you as part of your regular garden maintenance, we’re happy to help.
Ash and Bloom – Professional Garden Maintenance Across Teignbridge and Torbay
Honest, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping your garden flourish.
Get in touch today to see how we can keep your garden looking its best all year round.