Has anyone tried using clear plastic sheets for mulch? I know that it is used in commercial operations sometimes and I was reading about research that showed it could increase your yields by 22% in cooler climates if used for heat loving plants. I am thinking about trying it but first wanted to hear advise from those who have already tried it. I should clarify... for my veggy garden.
Thanks! Emily
Edited by - elah on Mar 17 2007 08:12:16 AM
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts
Posted - Mar 17 2007 : 09:01:56 AM
I personally do not suggest using plastic sheeting. In my experience, it works great for about a year and then the plastic starts to degrade. In a few years, the plastic is comparatively brittle and rips easily. It then gets extremely hard to work around, weeds poke through and you end up picking out plastic shreds from your garden.
Instead I would suggest putting down newspaper and layering with soil and compost on top (see posts about lasagna gardening) or using the biodegradable black fabric like garden sheets. These too will attract more heat to your garden, but instead of causing you to have to pick out plastic scraps, the sheets just add to the soil.
The other thing to think about possibly doing is to build frames and staple the plastic sheeting to the frames. You basically make portable mini greenhouses.
I agree with Alyssa, plastic sheets can make a real mess. I had used it at my old house & spent years cleaning up bits of plastic flying around the yard on windy days. I have used the black matting too, but it is sticking out all over the edges of the places I put it in. So now I sprinkle preen down and then put the mulch over it. That has kept the weeds out & let the plants or bushes thrive for the past few years. Good ouck finding what works for you.
clear plastic sheets for mulch?
Posted - Mar 17 2007 : 08:11:25 AM
