Time to put on mulch?

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Posted by garystpaul z4 MN (My Page) on

Mon, Jun 9, 14 at 17:14

I usually mulch my in-ground tomatoes with marsh hay, and have it waiting in the wings. But I can't remember when the best time is to do it. The plants were put in around the 25th of May and are about a foot or so. Is this a question of soil temperature, or something else?

Appreciate any advice on this. Thanks.
Gary

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RE: Time to put on mulch?

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Posted by digdirt 6b-7a North AR (My Page) on
Mon, Jun 9, 14 at 20:01

Soil temp. Want to let it get well up into the 70s first. I shoot for mulching at 75.

Dave

RE: Time to put on mulch?

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Posted by seysonn 7b WA/HZ 1 (My Page) on
Mon, Jun 9, 14 at 23:08

I agree with letting the soil warm up. Also, in my area I wait until the rain season is over. With cool temps and rain the soil stays soggy. I also prefer a mulch material that does not absorb too much water and does not get mushy. Last year I tried grass clippings ( after sun drying) but did not like it for the reason of getting mushy and getting caked. My favorite mulch come from pine : Pine Needles(straw) or Pine Nuggets.

I think mulching is good also to prevent the top layer of the soil moist from drying out. To my experience, tomato plants grow lots of shallow roots in addition to deep roots. I am never worried about weeds.

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