Living Mulch

[Redbaron]

Originally Posted by Doug9345

I'm scared to ask what you are giving there for hay. It seems like it's around $2 for a 50ish pound bale the last couple of years. Though last year we gave $20 for 40 bales to someone that came by selling it because he needed money for something. It was generic bedding hay.

Last year because of the drought I had to pay 80 dollars for a roll. This year I got 3 rolls for that. 25 dollars each. Still scouting around for even cheaper. It is actually easier to roll around those giant bales than carrying the small square bales around. Because they roll. And because to place the hay you just unroll them right over the paper or cardboard.

Ultimately I would like to eventually make my own hay for mulch. That's at least a few years down the road though. I do collect grass clippings now.

[Barbee]

Originally Posted by madddawg

I agree with you, try it you may like it...

I understand the logic (right word?) of shallow tilling and wont be scared to try it.

The biggest problem with the newspaper and mulch/straw is it takes a toll on the body, back and hamstrings hurt like hell after a while.

LOL yes. It is hard enough on my old body to newspaper and mulch around the plants themselves. I feel like Im standing on my head at times. I am always glad after I get it done though as it looks so nice and will do a good job of holding in moisture and preventing soil from splashing up on the leaves. To me there is nothing better than getting the weeds knocked back on the tomato patch and sitting on the deck with a cold beer and a BLT and oohing and ahhing my beautiful garden. Bring on spring!

[Worth1]

If I put down paper the wind starts blowing as soon as I get started and I dont have help.
Whats that old saying.
March winds bring April showers.
April showers bring May flowers.
May Flowers bring June Brides.

Maybe I'm mixed up.

Worth

[chiefbeaz]

Originally Posted by Barbee

LOL yes. It is hard enough on my old body to newspaper and mulch around the plants themselves. I feel like Im standing on my head at times. I am always glad after I get it done though as it looks so nice and will do a good job of holding in moisture and preventing soil from splashing up on the leaves. To me there is nothing better than getting the weeds knocked back on the tomato patch and sitting on the deck with a cold beer and a BLT and oohing and ahhing my beautiful garden. Bring on spring!

That's what I'm talking about, Cold Beer and BLT

[chiefbeaz]

My garden early in the season using straw under plants and also showing Florida Weave System


This didn't go as planned. Where is my big picture when I click on it? Time for a cool one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by chiefbeaz

My garden early in the season using straw under plants and also showing Florida Weave System


This didn't go as planned. Where is my big picture when I click on it? Time for a cool one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't this aggravating?

The sun is about to go down so I will get a cool one sit outside and commiserate with you.

worth

[Ken4230]

Originally Posted by Barbee

To me there is nothing better than getting the weeds knocked back on the tomato patch and sitting on the deck with a cold beer and a BLT and oohing and ahhing my beautiful garden. Bring on spring!

Drag me a cold one out of the fridge, i'll be right over.

Ken

[madddawg]

Couldn't agree with Barbee more. That sounds like A great plan! A cold one, or two and and looking at your days toils sounds so good!

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by madddawg

Couldn't agree with Barbee more. That sounds like A great plan! A cold one, or two and and looking at your days toils sounds so good!

My cold one is going to come early today.
I got up a 4:30 AM took a shower and started digging ditches from 2 underground valves to my raised beds.
On my way to the store to get a few fittings I need as if I dont have enough already.
Worth

[madddawg]

Worth, you are one of the lucky ones. the only way most of us would be doing any digging would be with a backhoe! My ground is so frozen,at work last week I tried using a pick ax to level up some ground and it was like chipping away ice. and you were close
Whats that old saying.
March winds bring April showers.
April showers bring May flowers.
May Flowers bring pilgrims.