I've planted some veggies this year and I'm trying to figure out the best mulch to use. I've been given two suggestions: hay and ground twigs or small trees. The concern with hay is its potential contamination with seeds, which could sprout and compete with my vegetables. However, it's more affordable and easier to find in smaller quantities. On the other hand, ground twigs come in larger bags, around 1 cubic meter, which feels like overkill. I'm looking for any advice or alternative options! Thanks!
3 Answers
I usually go for leaves from other plants, like clippings from roses or evergreens. If you're near a Walmart, they often have mulch sales for around a dollar, so you might check that out too!
Honestly, the seeds from hay can be a hassle, but they're super easy to pull out when they sprout. Just give them a tug, and they should come right up! If you have pine trees nearby or some leaves left over from last fall, those can work great too!
If you're near the ocean or a saltwater source, using seaweed can be fantastic! Just grab some bags and fill them up at the beach. Also, if there's a circus nearby, horse manure is a great option since it's safer than cow manure and not too potent. Don't hesitate to ask them if they have some!
That's a cool idea! I live near the coast too. Is seaweed safe for all kinds of vegetables? Should I dry it out first before using it?
I used to toss it in the compost, but found it slow to decompose. I might just start picking some up for my tomatoes this week!
That's a good tip! I'll look into that. Those deals can really save some cash!