4 - I use grass cuttings as mulch all the time, but I let them dry and brown first. Then I surround my plants. I leave a little space between the cuttings and the plant stems. Maureen

2. I don't use trellises at all for cucumbers. I let them meander where they want.

The only cukes I trellis are those hideously expensive English hybrids.....my common cukes also meander.

Yes, melons can be grown in pots, but you really need to be fastidious with the water and nurtients, or they'll be the size of baseballs.

Be careful with grass cuttings as mulch. They tend to stick together and mat up and if too thickly lain, can snot up and stink.

Definitely let the grass clipping dry first or only put down a very thin layer of fresh cut. YouÂll have problems with mold if you use a thick layer of wet clippings. In my opinion, grass clippings are the best mulch. As they age, they matt together and make a "tight weave" that keeps the weeds out of your garden. ItÂs also a good amendment to the soil. And theyÂre free!

1) depends on the variety. Most favas yes need trellis but a few bush varieties are available.

2) you can trellis them if you wish but it's not required and no, a tomato cage if you mean one of those 3 ring things isn't near enough of a trellis. Need something 4-5 feet tall

3) can't say - depends on the variety and if you use a big enough container

4) well dried grass clippings if you use them thick enough work. I prefer 6" of hay or straw. Not right up against the plants though.

Dave