My Towmater Patch - Yet More Beginner Questions

[HotPepperQueen]

With my tomato plants, I make my own stake mechanisms. I get 3ft tall stakes that are only about 1/2inch thick and 3 inches wide. I then drill three holes and I get coated bendable wire. I let the plant grow to a decent size before I stake them. Then when I stake them, I can move around the plant instead of shoving it into a wire cage. They are also pretty sturdy against wind and heavy rain. As far as mulch goes- after it has been really warm for a few days I put news paper down around the base of the plant but I leave about 4 inches of dirt between the plant and the paper. Then I put grass clippings on top of the paper. I've never had an issue with any diseases. The soil stays moist and warm.

 

[catjac1975]

My favorite mulch for weed prevention is grass clippings. There is a hierarchy in my garden on what get the clippings first based on weeding difficulty. Onions, carrots sweet potatoes. tomatoes, ect.

 

[nachoqtpie]

We use shredded paper. I never have a problem with weeds when I use it.