25-05-2003, 12:44 PM
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grass clipping mulch
(Glenna Rose) writes:
My tomatoes, etc., have been fantastic, and I attribute it partially
to the grass clipping mulch placed at planting and for a while
after. The grass clippings keep the soil warm while decomposing so
you have the advantage of warm soil as well as moisture retention.
I think people worry too much about the water-shedding qualities of
thick mulch. Yes, in a hard rain, the water won't all soak though.
But the mulch also prevents evaporation, so it's hard to say which
effect is stronger. I know that I've never pulled back several inches
of compacted grass clippings and found dry soil underneath. It's
always moist or even muddy.
The added bonus is weed control; by the time the surround soil warms
enough for the weed seeds to grow, the tomato plant has reached a
height that it shades the area which discourages weed growth. With
a good supply of grass clippings around the veggie plants, the
plants grow better and weed growth is at a minimum . . . works for
me, your mileage may vary.
All good reasons. My goal is to have my entire garden mulched this
year, and a couple more lawn-mowings should do it. I've also got
straw which I'm going to spread on top of the grass mulch around
vining plants like tomatoes and melons, to keep their fruit dry.
--
Aaron
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