Using weeds as mulch

[kris1960]

Cleared two 15'x3' beds, dug, cut up remains of brassicas and mixed with comfrey,grass and nettles(also cut up) which I used to mulch the beds in readiness for beans, sweetcorn and squash at the beginning of June.

My intention was to suppress weeds, hold moisture and to enrich soil but it was a spur of the moment idea when I was contemplating the potential problems of leaving it uncovered.

Have one more similar bed to do but am a bit afraid the whole idea might have been a mistake. Would really like some opinions while there is still time to rake it off and before I start other one.

None of the weeds had set seed and I did not use any roots.

[Martin H]

I think it's a great way of doing it. If TwoSheds were around she'd agree; she's a "chop and drop" specialist.

[kris1960]

Thanks Martin-very pleased that you are up and about again!

[Jay-ell]

Just make sure that you're not using the roots of the nettles/comfrey as they can take hold and regrow.

[Sarico]

I think it's a great way of doing it. If TwoSheds were around she'd agree; she's a "chop and drop" specialist.

I was going to say the same Martin. I have a big area outside my plot full of nettle and before they flower I will cut it all of and use as a mulch.

[starloc]

I have found it the only way to cut weed growth, I scythe the garden when it gets a foot or 2 long as it starts to flower just round the trees. In the beds of veg or flowers I pull them up, everything chucked around plants, its starting to work...., I use the whole lot of the plants, roots and all , just make sure the roots are off the soil on more weed cuttings until they dry
I tried to buy hay or straw to stick a 6 inch mulch on like the Ruth Stout no work gardening books say , but as it was so wet here last year I cant buy any here so weeds it is,
I was strimming them but a scythe is better, I found I scythe the whole lot and leave it as t falls to build up unless on the little bit of grass

[kris1960]

I have found it the only way to cut weed growth, I scythe the garden when it gets a foot or 2 long as it starts to flower just round the trees. In the beds of veg or flowers I pull them up, everything chucked around plants, its starting to work...., I use the whole lot of the plants, roots and all , just make sure the roots are off the soil on more weed cuttings until they dry
I tried to buy hay or straw to stick a 6 inch mulch on like the Ruth Stout no work gardening books say , but as it was so wet here last year I cant buy any here so weeds it is,
I was strimming them but a scythe is better, I found I scythe the whole lot and leave it as t falls to build up unless on the little bit of grass

Would love a scythe but my allotment is a myriad of different shaped and sized beds. The only clear space is between the shed and the pond. Scissors are a bit blunt now though!

I'm lucky to be next to a farm so can get straw but given I also had weeds that needed cutting before seeding I thought that I would mix with cut up brassica leaves and try that. Also expecting squash to provide living mulch later.

[Two_Sheds]

If TwoSheds were around she'd agree; she's a "chop and drop" specialist.

thank you, kind sir
Yes, I mulch any bare soil with whatever is to hand: weeds, green manures, old plants, rabbit straw, newspaper, grass clippings.
Photos in my FB link below
Read "One Straw Revolution" for further info, or Sepp Holzer's "Permaculture"

[Sarico]

thank you, kind sir
Yes, I mulch any bare soil with whatever is to hand: weeds, green manures, old plants, rabbit straw, newspaper, grass clippings.
Photos in my FB link below
Read "One Straw Revolution" for further info, or Sepp Holzer's "Permaculture"

I've read that book and looked at all your fb pics. And I love them. Infact I was thinking to use any seeds of flower or plant as green manure. Every year aldi sell in September seed left over for penny and last year I bought quite few of poached eggs plant.