From

Location

Message

Date Posted

rochester, IN

I hope everyone is doing well and surviving the virus and home detention. I was wondering how many people use mulch on their giant tomatoes and what do you use?

4/18/2020 8:47:53 AM

Central NY

We mulch with Municipal compost but only after the plants are growing fruit.. I think it’s important to be able to see that the root zone is taking up water (drying out) when the plants are growing for that first 6-8 weeks..If you use mulch, be sure to brush it away once a week and check the soil that it is still drying out well in between waterings. Good luck Jim!!

4/18/2020 9:25:18 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Jim: I use either my own composted leaves or straw for mulch. I check for water needs using a water meter. You just stick it in the soil. They don't cost much and are available everywhere. You don't have to check every plant in order to get an idea of what your garden needs.

4/18/2020 9:53:06 AM

Norfolk, UK

I grow in a greenhouse in the UK, I'll add a layer of compost and then white plastic over the top. The white plastic for reflecting light and water conservation. Black plastic in the greenhouse - whilst warming the soil initially - would fry the roots by midsummer in a greenhouse and contribute to overheating. I do use black plastic in a few areas outside the greenhouse for other plants (like courgettes for eating) tho for soil warming.

4/18/2020 1:44:37 PM

rochester, IN

Thanks, guys I appreciate the feedback. I have used municipal compost on regular tomatoes and flowers and they do great. I know a lot of people say not to use municipal compost because it's contaminated with herbicides or whatever. But I have never had a problem with it.

4/18/2020 9:36:48 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

I usually just use weed fabric on my Giants.
For my eating tomatoes I use a thin layer of newspaper covered with leaves.

4/23/2020 5:32:52 PM