Grass cuttings in potato trench

[Jimmy]

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

[Jeanied]

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!

[Kleftiwallah]

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.

[keepitgreen]

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...

[Jamesy_uk]

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.

[Florence Fennel]

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!

[Fred Perry]

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.

[singleseeder]

Cargo box?

[Two_Sheds]

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!

[zazen999]

I use grass clippings at school - we don't have any at home or lottie to use - more's the pity.

[jonohanson]

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

[Chef_uk]

I use grass clippings a lot: as a mulch on onions

I might try this I guess it helps suppress weeds aswell?

[Two_Sheds]

Yep


my message is too short

[Chef_uk]

Excellent, after this week's showers I shall give this a go

[Snadger]

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.