Black Plastic mulch
ulasaskin
13 years ago
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Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
13 years agoRelated Discussions
black plastic mulch?
Comments (1)Good evening John, I would only suggest attempting this if you have drip irrigation. Lettuce can take a lite frost and cabbage of course can. A 90 day cabbage would be ready no earlier than the end Oct. Good luck....Dan...See MoreScientific analysis of effects of black plastic mulch on soil?
Comments (18)I've found the use of black woven polypropylene weed barrier in the garden in western Colorado, also known for it's intense sunlight -:) is a real help - largely because it helps retain the soil moisture in a really dry climate, slows the weeds, and evens out the temperature swings. As it's woven, it breathes, so no foul odor. I use other standard mulches as well with mixed results. The most noticeable difference is with trees - those with the weed barrier grow at least twice as fast. In the vegetable garden, I do a 4' wide swath of weed barrier, then a 4 in gap for plants, and continue. I've noticed now that my neighbors are all doing the same. It's quite an experience to be working in the garden, dragging along a towel or something to kneel on because the black plastic is too hot to touch, and working with the cold soil. But everyone's micro-climate is bit different. I think the big advantage with the trees is over the winter, when it's dry, very arid, and windy, which dries out the soil pretty quickly - while the plastic helps retain the moisture....See Moreadd straw on top of black plastic mulch
Comments (8)I tried the black plastic mulch thing back about 25-30 years ago, but gave it up because of the difficulties I had with managing moisture, no benefit for the underlying soil, and finally disposal of large amounts of the stuff. However, it is still widely used by commercial growers, and a lot of research has been done. To your question about soil temp, the key benefit for soil temp is it provides early soil temp warm-up. However, overall the temp gain is ~ 5ðF at 2" depth and about 2ðF at 4" depth. I seriously doubt you're in any danger of overheating the soil with black plastic. Clear is a different matter entirely. How much gain you get depends upon how uniform the contact between the plastic and the soil surface - the more air gap between the two, the less gain. Commercial growers often use it in conjunction with drip irrigation, so getting water to the soil beneath isn't an issue. I suspect you're fine with it as is, so long as you can manage the moisture levels in the soil with it in place. I can only see more problems with a mulch on top. I'd suggest either leave it as is, or remove it completely if it's giving you problems. But if there weren't any problems, I'd choose to leave it until those plants are done....See MoreWhere can I buy black plastic 'mulch'?
Comments (4)If you are going to Indy, look for Brehob's. They are in southern part of Indy, can't remember exactly where. You should be able to "google" them. they are a supplier for alot of my fellow vendors in Lafayette. yes we have to travel, but they are 1 of a few places that you might find it. Otherwise, Home Depot, Menards and Lowes might also have it. OR you could cut the black plastic rolls, they come as small as 10x25. I'm not sure how much you need. Get the thinnest possible....See Moreluke_oh
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