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Grass cuttings in potato trench

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  • #1

    Grass cuttings in potato trench

    Woke up from winter.

    First job was to plant my spuds.
    I dig a shallow trench and the spread a layer of manure in the bottom followed by a layer of fresh grass cutting.
    Plant spuds and fill in trench.
    Earth up later when weeds appear.

    Question: I always put grass clippings in, is this normal and does it have any benefits.

    Thanks
    Jimmy
    Expect the worst in life and you will probably have under estimated!
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  • #2
    I do that too Jimmy - out of habit! I think it is supposed to help reduce scab. There is never any grass visible when I dig them up!
    Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

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    • #3
      Do you mix the manure and grass clippings up? I thought the grass clippings would have formed a slimy mass under the spuds, or is that a good thing? Cheers, Tony.
      Semper in Excrementem Altitvdo Solvs Varivs.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Kleftiwallah View Post
        Do you mix the manure and grass clippings up? I thought the grass clippings would have formed a slimy mass under the spuds, or is that a good thing? Cheers, Tony.
        I would have thought this too...

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        • #5
          Just a guess here based on compost behaviour but the bacteria from the manure would start breaking down the grass and releasing nitrogen to help the potato put out some nice greenery and because grass takes longer to break down it would be a slow feed.
          My new Blog.

          http://jamesandthegiantbeetroot.blogspot.com

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          • #6
            I don't put grass clippings in the soil with the potatoes, but I do earth up with it. Marvellous stuff and saves so much money on compost!
            Granny on the Game in Sheffield

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            • #7
              I put potato in trench with shredded paper and cover. When shoots show i place a folding cargo box over plants and top up with anything, old manure, paper, leaves, and stoney compost from sieving. When it comes to harvest , remove box and I can harvest pots by rummaging with hands. I do the same type of thing with half blue barrels. Saves digging.
              All the best to all,
              Fred P.

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              • #8
                Cargo box?
                Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you are probably right.
                Edited: for typo, thakns VC

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Kleftiwallah View Post
                  I thought the grass clippings would have formed a slimy mass
                  No, not if you stick to a 1"-2" layer at a time.

                  I use grass clippings a lot: as a mulch on onions & spuds, in my daleks to really get them cooking. No slime!
                  All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                  • #10
                    I use grass clippings at school - we don't have any at home or lottie to use - more's the pity.
                    Last edited by zazen999; 03-04-2012, 07:04 AM.

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                    • #11
                      On a similar note, would I be ok using straw in my spud trenches? Also can I use straw to mulch around onions and courgettes when they are big enough?

                      Many Thanks

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
                        I use grass clippings a lot: as a mulch on onions
                        I might try this I guess it helps suppress weeds aswell?
                        www.gyoblog.co.uk

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                        • #13
                          Yep


                          my message is too short
                          All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                          • #14
                            Excellent, after this week's showers I shall give this a go
                            www.gyoblog.co.uk

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                            • #15
                              I think one of the main advantages of using grass cutting is that it forms a localised acidic environment as it rots down. This will lessen the risk of scab, and hold a bit of moisture.
                              My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
                              to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

                              Diversify & prosper


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