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Youngstown, Ohio

I lost most everything in July due to animals and out of town. I will be sending in a dirt sample to have checked, but I was thinking of planting a mustard crop now (mid August)to keep the weeds from taking over. Thoughts ??? It will be for watermelons only

[Last edit: 08/15/26 11:24:17 PM]

8/15/2026 11:06:22 PM

C N Y

Certainly not a popular nor educated suggestion, and, an AG/FP grower solely to boot, butt I myself got perhaps 3 bags of Tractor Supply GroundWork Annual and Perennial RyeGrass due to that I thought it'd be a low-growing alternative to my favorite, Dutch White Clover, due to the expense anymore of shipping. It gets to be about 6-14 inches high, (depending on sunny or shady) is similar to literally 'hair' in its malleability (can easily be raked or 'brushed' aside) and if kept mowed at 2-3 inches, is a nice lawn in the interim. I don't know much about Mustard except that it is used to fumigate the soil if done properly. The grass seed is like $69.95 for 50 pounds of it for 'up to 35,000 Square Feet' (I did not try to stretch it), dies easily with Glyphosate applied and I have no complaints. Take care, good luck and it makes a good doorstop if it's not all used up, lol. eric g

[Last edit: 08/16/26 8:09:22 PM]

8/16/2026 8:03:00 PM

Western NY

Hi Harvey - you're cutting it close on a mustard crop, but might have time if you get it in within the next week. You'd probably be tilling it in Oct, and then to winter rye.

Otherwise, go right to the winter cover crop. My winter mix is usually a combination of winter rye, hairy vetch, and winter peas. With the warmer soil this time of year, they get a pretty good start. I think I planted Aug 15th one time and the rye was almost going to seed when the snow hit, so that may have been a touch early that year.

Most of the time, the deer start to eat it a little in the fall anyway and by spring they have it pretty well mowed down. It just starts rebounding in March / April when I hit it with the lawnmower and plow / till it under.

8/16/2026 9:22:03 PM

Youngstown, Ohio

I ordered Trifecta Mustard seed today and hopefully have it planted this week or next. Hi Andy how is it going on your end? Talked to Jerry today and I am going to head up his way to pick up his subsoiler then plow and till after that. by then I should have the seed and get it planted, mow it down, till in then cover with plastic. I know it needs fumigated. none of my melons took off this year and just stopped growing, not even little melons on them. need to send soil out for a desease test. will you be at Canfield this year?

8/17/2026 9:21:37 PM