Market Farming

["Wiediger, Alison" <awiediger AT HART.k12.ky.us>]

Something else to consider:  I did some research on "living mulches" several
months ago because it seems like a great idea to me to keep the soil between
the rows covered.  Most of what I found indicated that there was a
measurable yield decrease when living mulches were used.  They can also be
problematic during a drought (our drip tape reaches the crops, but not
between the rows), and unless the cover grows very quickly, the weeds will
far outgrow it, and you need some method (mowing perhaps) for keeping them
in check.

We have found that when we work soil a little too wet, it does tend to be
cloddy, and not kind to my bare feet for most of the season (depending upon
rains), but the crops don't really seem to mind and some extra organic
matter (hay or straw mulch) will go a long way toward helping next season.

Alison Wiediger, Au Naturel Farm

> ----------
> From:         Marie Kamphefner[SMTP:kampy AT grm.net]
> Reply To:     Market Farming
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> Regards to the list:
> 
> I was thinking the buckwheat gets really tall and would take away too
> much from the tomatoes?  I wasn't using any scientific reasoning (not
> that I could even if I wanted to) - just a gut feeling.
> 
> If you run across that web site, please let me know, ok?  Thanks.
> 
> Marie in Missouri
> 
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