Living Mulches for Weed Suppression and Soil Health in Horticulture

Living mulches—such as legumes—provide ground cover between horticultural crops to improve soil health, suppress annual weeds, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs. Successful integration depends on selecting species with compatible rooting depth, growth habit, frost tolerance, and germination requirements. Strategic sowing, timing of establishment, and management practices like mowing help minimize competition with main crops. While effective for erosion control and sustainable production, living mulches require careful planning and may increase labour needs. This approach supports resilient farming systems when species and management are well matched.