Tomatoes vs root rot.

[Tom Elliott]

Hi all,

I'm growing tomatoes using a drip system of my own devising, and I was
wondering about using mulch to help water retention. I read about
root rot, but I don't know what conditions would cause such a thing.

Ideally, I'd like to use chopped lucernce as a mulch, it's working
beautifully on my potatoes. Would this lead to root rot or fungal
problems?

Tom.
Happy Gardening!

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Tom Elliott
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[Andrew G]

"Tom Elliott" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all,
>
> I'm growing tomatoes using a drip system of my own devising, and I was
> wondering about using mulch to help water retention. I read about
> root rot, but I don't know what conditions would cause such a thing.
>
> Ideally, I'd like to use chopped lucernce as a mulch, it's working
> beautifully on my potatoes. Would this lead to root rot or fungal
> problems?
>

Adding a mulch will help, by keeping the ground cooler, and keeping the
moisture in.
Of course, this will mean you won't have to water as often.
Root rot shouldn't be a problem, unless the soil becomes "wet".
Cut the watering (dripping) back if you mulch. Keep a check for the first
week or 2, to adjust watering as needed.


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