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Mount Prospect,illinois

I was thinking of trying the black grow mats this year around the seedling/stump. My question is 1. is it worth it? and 2. how long do you keep them in place? I saw some on Joel Hollands site that looked nice.

1/1/2007 10:19:09 PM

Washington State

I Have been using the black 4'x4' grow mats for many years. I leave them in place for the whole season. They warm up the soil early on and keep weeds down around the stump area. The mats seem to keep the soil underneath soft and friable, and they allow watering around the base without splashing mud on the small plant. Water penetrates easily, but spreads out and seeps in a little slower over a larger area. By the time the plants are larger and the weather is warmer, the mats are mostly shaded by leaves which prevents any overheating. They can easily be removed at any time if desired. Growers observed me using them on our Holland's Land O' Giants DVDs and started asking for them. A description of the 4'x4' grow mats can be seen at www.hollandsgiants.com

1/2/2007 6:44:52 PM

Mount Prospect,illinois

Thanks Joel,
That helps alot. I will probably get some.

1/3/2007 7:23:57 AM