Mulching properly is a very important part of organic gardening,
especially when growing a crop like tomatoes. The soil and the moisture
content are both very important in having a healthy crop. Mulching is an
excellent way to keep this moisture from evaporating from the soil and
to suppress weeds, but it shouldn't be done to early. Many people make
the mistake of applying a heavy organic mulches around their tomatoes
too early in the season. Wait at least four or five weeks until the
ground has really warmed up, especially in northern areas. With straw or
any type of heavy mulch you will insulating the soil and it will take a
lot longer to warm. Using a mulch to early in the season keeps the soil
cool, and is not good. This will delay the harvest by at least a few
weeks and especially in the north where there is already a short growing
season it is not good to do.
When you first plant your tomatoes you don't want to apply any mulch at all. The soil needs to heat up as much as possible first, adding mulch from the start will prevent the soil temperature from warming. Once the heat of the summer months have arrived and the soil warms is when you want to apply mulch to the soil to hold in the moisture. Another reason to apply mulch that is just as important is to keep water from the rainfall and you irrigation method from splashing off the soil onto the leaves. This can cause fungus diseases on the plant leaves to form.
Applying a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch like compost, composted leaves, shredded leaves or straw will greatly benefit your tomato crop. Grass clippings can be used as a mulch as long as they are from a lawn that is not chemically treated.
When you first plant your tomatoes you don't want to apply any mulch at all. The soil needs to heat up as much as possible first, adding mulch from the start will prevent the soil temperature from warming. Once the heat of the summer months have arrived and the soil warms is when you want to apply mulch to the soil to hold in the moisture. Another reason to apply mulch that is just as important is to keep water from the rainfall and you irrigation method from splashing off the soil onto the leaves. This can cause fungus diseases on the plant leaves to form.
Applying a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch like compost, composted leaves, shredded leaves or straw will greatly benefit your tomato crop. Grass clippings can be used as a mulch as long as they are from a lawn that is not chemically treated.
A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic
Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy
and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the
environment.
[http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com/gardentoolsandsupplies.html]
John Yazo
[http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com]
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John Yazo
[http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com]
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