How Do You Grow Tomatoes In Black Plastic Mulch?
Growing tomatoes in black plastic mulch has advantages. Water is conserved due to reduced evaporation, and weeds are better controlled. For a small backyard garden, this will reduce the amount of maintenance required to grow healthy, bountiful tomatoes. Loosen the soil and break up any large clumps. Add fertilizer to the soil. Dig 12-inch trenches on either side of rows. Cut small holes into a watering hose and lay it in the trenches. Roll black plastic mulch down the rows, lining the edges of the trenches. Cover the edges of the plastic with dirt to hold it in place. Cut an “X” at 12-inch intervals in the center of the black plastic mulch. Dig a small hole 6 inches deep in the center of each “X” to set the plants. Remove the bottom leaves of your tomato seedlings and place them into the hole. Cover the plants with soil partway up the stem. Insert bamboo stakes and attach the seedlings with jute twine. Create dams at the end of each row and flood the middle with water to soak the soil
