Re: [CH] Black plastic
GarryMass@aol.com
Sun, 7 May 2000 13:59:19 EDT
In a message dated 5/00 12:05:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
macknet@pacbell.net writes:
<< thinking of covering the black plastic with a thin
layer of mulch of some kind to keep the soil from getting too hot
and cooking the plant roots. I'd like to use something I can till
into the soil after >>
Rich,
I use raised beds. Scott and others can point out the advantages. Second, I
use the Ruth Stout "no work garden" technique, placing "books" of spoiled
straw on top of the soil after planting. Whenever a weed, or Bermuda grass,
might peek out from under, I just throw another "book" of straw on top of it.
The straw prevents the soil from overheating, deprives the weeds (Bermuda
grass) of sun, retains moisture, and composts itself at the point of soil
contact.
Why bother with the black plastic? It doesn't till well.
If I could get salt marsh hay, then I'd use that exclusively since there's no
'hayseed' downside. But to pamper plants, keep soil cool, and to kill all
the Bermuda in a humanitarian way - this technique works for me.
Gareth the ChileKnight