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Lexington, Ky

I have two experimental plants in a patch that I've used fresh grass clippings on as a weed detering mulch. I have experienced many leaf stems that are rotting right where they contact the grass.

Is this a moisture issue or nitrogen "burn"?

For what it's worth, the grass comes from a chemical free lawn.....

Replies would be greatly appreciated.

Jamie

7/18/2006 9:57:08 PM

[email protected]

It is nitrogen. Fresh grass clippings as they break down creates an enormous amount of nitrogen.

7/18/2006 10:30:33 PM

Rhode Island

breakdown is the ket word. like you going to bed every night with wet blankets over you.

7/19/2006 6:02:29 AM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

I believe that using any mulch is an extremely bad idea. There are just all sorts of fungi and bacteria that will grow in it and many of them are not friendly. I know of several growers who killed their plants by using mulch. It is especially bad when a long rainy spell comes along. Bury the vines with only the existing soil and put nothing else under the leaves. Don't worry about the weeds. Pap is right, constantly wet is very bad.

7/19/2006 8:34:32 AM

Nashville, TN

Next time - let the grass clippings fully DRY prior to using as mulch. This will turn them into the same thing as straw/hay.

Use NEWSPAPER under the vines - and ONLY put 1-1.5" of mulch over the top of the paper.... This will allow the mulch to dry rapidly after any rains - and it won't decompose very fast (unlike thick, damp mulch - which supports the composting process..... if it's dry and thin-layered - doesn't breakdown well)

DRY mulch - Good! Wet mulch - BAD!!!

7/19/2006 8:42:38 AM

Mocksville, NC

a new grower i warned not to do it, did any way oh well.
In my opinion not only bacteira, and wettness when it heats up bye bye feeder roots, I did put some down on my path to the plants, but the whole patch no way! aged , and composted maybe.

7/19/2006 9:18:13 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

I was thinking of doing this this weekend ....now I shall not. Thanks

7/19/2006 9:41:45 AM

Waquoit Mass

listen to larry opinions are like as-holes everyone has one on here most are no good hamr

7/19/2006 10:14:36 AM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

I use grass clipping mulch, but I spread it fairly thin. You just need it to shade out the new weed seedlings until the leaves form a canopy. I have no problems with it heating up as long as I don't put in clippings from my ladino clover patches. As far as staying wet, it really helped last year when it didn't rain for 2 months. I use fairly thick grass clipping mulch on my tomatoes with absolutely no problems.

7/19/2006 10:43:14 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Last year I used it and my pumkin grew ontop of it but I think it was after it turned brown.

7/19/2006 1:27:48 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I'm using grass on 1 out of 6 plants this year. I pile it until it browns. The plant is one of my best and I've spent less than 45 min all season weeding it so far. Just my observations.
Jim

7/19/2006 1:43:25 PM

Salmon Arm, BC

Not only will fungi and bacteria flourish in fresh grass mulch but little critters love to hide in there also.

7/19/2006 2:23:12 PM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Yes! To much (N).

7/19/2006 2:45:41 PM

Deer Park WA

I spread a thin layer around our 4 plants this year and am amazed at the massize root structure that has developed underneath it. No problems with deseases or bugs and the soil stays nice and evenly moist.

7/19/2006 3:43:24 PM

Ohio

I use plastic garbage bags to cover my soil as a mulch, I soak the soil at the beginning of the season and then cover it with the plastic bags(Hefty works best), no watering needed all season. Hows that for a opinon Hammer?,LOL

7/19/2006 11:47:24 PM

Ohio

Notice: the above post made by me is only a joke, please dont try that at your home patch.

Paid for by the Hammer.

7/19/2006 11:51:43 PM

Nashville, TN

actually THOUGHT you were half-serious..... Until you said 'no watering all season'....LOL

Once-upon-a-time I DID cover a watermelon patch with black plastic - laid soakers underneith it... Actually did quite well...... If I remember correctly....

7/20/2006 5:14:26 PM

Mocksville, NC

Oh! Tomatoes it works great on sorry i should have said that

7/20/2006 6:06:55 PM

Rhode Island

when a guy who has had two world records in his family speaks you tend to pay attention.i know i consider myself a decient grower but larry and gerry checkon are at the top of the pumpkin chain. they are where we all should aspire to be. take any advise he is willing to give you.
pap

7/20/2006 6:22:09 PM

North Smithfield, RI USA

Hoe, Hoe, Hoe >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It's off to work we go >>>>>
To kill the weeds >>>>>>>>>>
And Their seeds >>>>>>>>>>>>
Hoe, Hoe, Hoe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7/20/2006 7:03:32 PM

Mocksville, NC

Thanks Pap!!!!! That sums it up.

7/20/2006 10:31:49 PM

Missoula, Montana

Pap! Your right, you pretty summed up this subject and any others Larry or Gerry decide to comment on.

7/21/2006 2:55:28 PM