Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: heygrow on March 24, 2020, 19:19

Title: Moss and grass cuttings for earthing up potatoes
Post by: heygrow on March 24, 2020, 19:19

I just finished scarifying my lawn and have loads of moss mixed with some grass. Not that I am advanced enough to start any earthing up yet, but does anyone know if you can use this moss/grass for earthing up potatoes or covering to keep frost free? Is moss going to cause any problems as it does not seem to compost very well?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Moss and grass cuttings for earthing up potatoes
Post by: jambop on March 25, 2020, 12:26

I think you could use that but one thing that might come into play is heat generated by the natural fermentation of the mulch. I really do not think that would be a negative factor though but I mention because I had quite a pile of that very material last year and the heap was steaming hot. You are using it in a different way though so may not be the same.

Title: Re: Moss and grass cuttings for earthing up potatoes
Post by: heygrow on March 25, 2020, 14:23

Thanks Jambop,
With the frost we are getting overnight the heat might be a welcome bonus!  :)
Though I don't think the way it will be distributed would cause that much of an effect.

I was not sure if the moss would try and root into the soil at some point (which I don't want) or just die down. Any thoughts?

Title: Re: Moss and grass cuttings for earthing up potatoes
Post by: jambop on March 25, 2020, 17:17

I doubt you will have problems with the moss as when you lift the spuds you will turn it into the soil it will just produce a nice bit of humus.

Title: Re: Moss and grass cuttings for earthing up potatoes
Post by: Yorkie on March 25, 2020, 18:04

I assume you didn't apply any lawn/weedkiller to the lawn before scarifying it?  If you did, then depending on what you used, I would be hesitant about using the scarified material on other plants.

Also, be aware that moss takes a very long time to break down.

Title: Re: Moss and grass cuttings for earthing up potatoes
Post by: heygrow on March 26, 2020, 15:47

No did not use any weed killer on grass.
Thanks for all your replies. I'll give it a go and see how things turn out.