[Homestead] Mulch

EarthNSky erthnsky at bellsouth.net
Mon Apr 2 09:53:11 EDT 2007


I like JJ.  I don't think of him as the master of double digging, and I 
never took to that method, except for my asparagus bed when I first set 
it up.  It is only a 4x10 foot bed, but that was enough double digging 
for me.  I think of JJ as the master of intensively planted crops.  I 
use the tables in his book all the time.  I should, probably, have it 
memorized by now.  I can never seem to grow enough of certain things to 
last a year, and I like that he basically gives yields for stuff, so I 
can plan accordingly.  I may not get his yield, but it gives me an idea 
anyway.
As for this mulch thread in general, I use rotting, half composted waste 
hay that I rake up from around the hayring in the horse pasture.  I 
don't have weed seed issues because first of all, I am careful about 
whose hay I rake, and secondly, I keep on mulching, layer upon layer, 
and the heat generated from decomposition generally kills any weed 
seeds.  Other unwanted seed germination is easily pulled because there 
is very little actual soil.

Bev

Gene GeRue wrote:
> On Apr 1, 2007, at 5:38 PM, Clansgian at wmconnect.com wrote:
> 
>> I used to be a true devotee of Bro.
>> John Jeavons and dug those 4' wide 24" deep trenches with a shovel,  
>> (although
>> he too recommends loosening the bottom with a fork).  Experience  
>> gave my
>> grave misdoubts about the use of such extreme digging.
> 
> Let us reason it out. What are the possible benefits of deep digging?  
> I can think of superior drainage, aeration, superior root  
> penetration. Anything else, save archeological finds? As James notes,  
> four to six inches, certainly eight inches, is all most roots need. I  
> grow nothing that needs 24" for roots. Seriously deep-rooted plants,  
> say alfalfa, are very strong and push their roots through native,  
> compacted soil.
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-- 
Bevanron of EarthNSky Farm   Sleep well tonight, for somewhere in the 
ocean's depths, MY son is protecting YOUR freedom.






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