Mulching Like I’ve Never Mulched Before
Across the road from JA there is one of the many rice machines that are dotted around the city. These thresh and polish rice at the press of a button and a few hundred yen. Many have hoppers for those with bigger loads. Although both the dust and chaff are put to good use, heaps can be found around the back.
The shop sells charred husks at what seems to be an exorbitant price, so a few yards away I was busy with a shovel and few sacks. It has been bloody hot the past week, fortunately Kento has been steadfast and managed to get me up before seven. As a result I mulched instead of mooched the garden and was finished by ten. It’s my first time with mulch and uncertain of the conventions, but am optimistic the cover will help.
Lovely rice hull mulch. I’ve just finished my mulching. I snag free mulch whenever I can. It rots away fast in our heat and humidity. First ground up Christmas trees from Austin’s recycling program and then a truck full of ground up tree trimmings from the company who came to trim our trees out of the power lines.
Not all of the US is under snow at this time, of course; down here in Texas it’s been in the 20-30 C range for a couple of months. I’ve had my tomatoes in for six weeks. I used to live in Oita-ken, and overall, my part of Texas is always a bit warmer any time of year.
Comment by M Sinclair Stevens (Texas) — April 29, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
We have been busy mulching too - putting grass clipping on everything. The UK has not had any rain for weeks and the soil is developing deep cracks. We pour some water on before we apply the mulch.
Comment by Sally — April 30, 2007 @ 8:34 am
My wife’s friend has just returned to Kumamoto after staying with us for a week. As yet to visit Ky?sh?, but enthused having read about it. Nice to see kaki (persimmon) being grown further field. It was a surprise to see them here, strung up and left for weeks to improve. I could certainly use some sort of machine to process the stuff for the compost bin, my hands are really beginning to smart.
I wish I thought about watering the ground first. In addition to making sense, it might have helped stopping the stuff blowing around. It was really windy by lunchtime. Fortunately only a little seemed to take off.
Comment by Adekun — April 30, 2007 @ 8:48 am
How interesting to see how things are done in other parts of the world. I enjoyed reading your blog and will be back again soon.
Comment by Ziggywigs — May 20, 2007 @ 11:03 pm
You’ll have to settle for France for the moment. Will post the odd photo I get sent from back home.
Comment by Adekun — May 26, 2007 @ 8:21 am