Gardening Tips from Down South

How to Grow Kudzu

        All you beginning  gardeners  out  there  might  want  to consider growing kudzu as a fine way to launch out into the great adventure of gardenning in the south.  Kudzu, for  those  of  you not  already  familiar  with it, is a hardy perennial that can be grown quite well by the beginner who observes  these  few  simple rules:

Choosing a Plot:

        Kudzu can be grown almost anywhere, so site selection  is not  the  problem  it  is  with  some  other  finicky plants like strawberries.  Although kudzu will grow quite well on cement, for best  result you should select an area having at least some dirt. To avoid possible lawsuits, it is advisable to  plant  well  away from your neighbors house, unless, of course, you don't get along well with your neighbor anyway.

Preparing the Soil:

        Go out and stomp on the soil for a while just to get  its attention and to prepare it for kudzu.

Deciding When to Plant:

        Kudzu should always be planted at  night.   If  kudzu  is planted  during daylight hours, angry neighbors might see you and begin throwing rocks at you.

Selecting the Proper Fertilizer:

        The best fertilizer I have discovered  for  kudzu  is  40 weight  non-detergent  motor  oil.   Kudzu  actually doesn't need anything to help it grow, but the  motor  oil  helps  to  prevent scraping the underside of the tender leaves when the kudzu starts its rapid growth.  It also cuts down on the friction and  lessens the  danger of fire when the kudzu really starts to move.  Change oil  nce every thousand feet or every two weeks which ever  comes first.

Mulching the Plants:

        Contrary to what may be told by  the  Extension  Service, kudzu  can  profit  from a good mulch.  I have found that a heavy mulch for the young plants produces a  hardier  crop.   For  best results, as soon as the young shoots begin to appear, cover kudzu with concrete blocks.  Although this causes a temporary  setback, your  kudzu will accept this mulch as a challenge and will reward you with redoubled determination in the long run.

Organic or Chemical Gardenning:

        Kudzu is ideal for either the  organic  gardener  or  for those  who  prefer  to  use  chemicals  to ward off garden pests. Kudzu is oblivious to both chemicals and pests.   Therefore,  you can  grow organically and let the pests get out of the way of the kudzu as best they can, or you can spray  any  commercial  poison directly  on  your  crop.   Your decision depends on how much you enjoy killing bugs.  The kudzu will not mind either way.

Crop Rotation:

        Many gardeners are understandably concerned that  growing the  same  crop  year  after  year will deplete the soil.  If you desire to change from kudzu to some other plant next year, now is the  time  to  begin preparations.  Right now, before the growing season has reached its peak, you should list your house  and  lot with a reputable real estate agent and begin making plans to move elsewhere.  Your chances of selling will be better now than  they will  be  later  in  the  year,  when  it  may be difficult for a rospective buyer to realize that  underneath  those  lush  green vines stands an adorable three-bedroom house.