From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Minnesota([email protected])

I'm thinking of mulching my A.G.'s this yr. I can use leaves and grass clippings, but I think I'll need something else in addition to these, to cover the patch. Is there a certain type of hay or straw that is preferrable? Is there any disadvantages to using leaves or grass clippings? My goal with the mulch is water conservation, weed suppression, and a beneficial environment for the upper soil layer.

3/31/2006 10:04:02 PM

Ohio

Doug, I have heard using compost that isnt broken down all the way is a good mulch,I have never tried it though.

Brooks

4/1/2006 5:22:01 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Remember Pumpkins like the soil to be warm...a mulch can be an issue with this.

4/1/2006 9:13:57 AM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

I saw a really cool plastic-like mulch film that is actually made out of corn somehow and is 100% compostable. It might not meet all of your needs, but I thought it was cool.

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=1&p=47493&cat=2,2300,33272

4/1/2006 10:07:19 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

For what it's worth, I've been mulching my 1200 sq ft patch
with about 4-6" of shredded maple leaves for the last 5 years. Water conservation was the initial motivation, and not having to weed was a nice side effect. Haven't broken 800lbs yet, so I'm gonna shake up the routine and NOT mulch.
I should be better able to guage soil watering requirements and hopefully the plant roots will go deeper and grab more nutrients. Just a thought, good luck!

4/1/2006 5:44:30 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Good point Shannon.
If I do mulch, I plan on doing it when the plant has about an 8 ft. mainvine. So the soil will hopefully be fairly warm then.

4/3/2006 2:15:10 PM

Alex, IN

If you use finished compost, then the color of the compost (black) should greatly help warm the soil. I am going to try compost as my weed control this year.

The other advantage to useing compost is all the organic matter than will be added to the soil when the season is done!

Mikkal

4/4/2006 7:18:48 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

I wish I had access to enough compost for mulch.

4/4/2006 1:20:47 PM

Rhode Island

I have read many success stories here on bp from growers that successfully use various forms of compost.
I hate weeding but i hate disease and poor results even more.
For me the only way to go is with hands and knees ( belly crawl as J.R. would call it ) and allow the soil to breath.

Also i thing grass clipping and anything thats not totally broken down not only seals off the oxygen from getting into the soil, but can form bactterial diseases as they begin to break down.

If i did anything at all to prevent weeds from growing it would be black breathable landscape fabric between the rows.
Could be an expensive proposition.

Pap

4/4/2006 2:27:53 PM