Control weeds with plastic and fabric mulches.
Gardeners eagerly await the new gardening season. Plan ahead by getting together the supplies you’ll need.
To minimize the need for weeding, synthetic mulches can be helpful in certain situations. Several kinds are available, including the ever-popular black plastic as well as fabric mulches.
Fabric Mulches
Landscape fabrics are made from various kinds of synthetic materials, such as polyester. Sometimes, these are called weed barriers or weed block. Typically, they allow water to pass through, which is not true for black plastic.
Due to their black color, the fabrics prevent weed seeds from germinating. However, persistent perennial weeds that are already present can sometimes survive and spread along the edges of the mulch. For that reason, remove these before you apply the fabric.
For the most part, landscape fabrics are unsuitable for permanent plantings, such as perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Typically, fabric mulches are too expensive for vegetable gardens unless you’re saving the material from one year to the next. The brand and thickness of the fabric is of little concern if you plan on discarding it at the end of the growing season.
Most gardeners use a thin layer of wood chips on top of the fabric, which prevents it from blowing away. If you prefer, place stones or soil along the edges of the fabric.
Plastic Mulches
Being a petroleum-based product, regular black plastic mulch isn’t environmentally friendly. Since it doesn’t decompose, it ends up in landfills.
Black plastic is superior to fabric mulches in some respects. It helps warm the soil in the spring, a desirable trait in northern areas where the growing seasons are short. Plastic helps conserve soil moisture, which isn’t true for fabric mulches.
This comes in different thicknesses. The thin one should be suitable for most vegetable gardens.
Black plastic is slippery underfoot, especially when wet. For that reason, avoid using it in pathways or between rows.
Alternatives to Regular Black Plastic
Now, there are biodegradable plastic mulches made from cornstarch. Depending on the growing conditions, this will break down within six months or so. If necessary, spread some soil or compost on top to hasten its decay at the end of the season.
Several other improved plastics are available. One new version has white on one side and black on the other. This is especially recommended for cool season crops.
Improved plastic mulches come in several colors. The red one is known as SRM, which stands for selective reflecting mulch. It is very beneficial to tomatoes and strawberries. This mulch increases the amount of far-red light reaching the plants, which in turn boosts crop yields.
Green plastic mulch is ideal for heat loving veggies, including vine crops and peppers. It warms the soil much better than traditional black plastic.
For those seeking to minimize pesticide use, silver mulches can help. This has a reflective, silvery sheen. The finish tends to confuse insects, thus discouraging them from attacking the plants. Silver mulch is especially effective against white flies, aphids, and thrips.
