How Do You Use Plastic Mulch In Gardens?
Plastic mulch provides weed control while preserving soil moisture in the garden. Most plastic mulches are black, which absorbs heat into the soil. Clear plastic may be used to warm soil early in spring, but is more likely to work as a greenhouse and speed weed-seed germination. There are also red mulches available which supposedly improve the growth of tomatoes and peppers. Standard black plastic is used in most gardens and is readily available at garden centers. Prepare the garden bed in spring. Loosen the soil to a 12-inch depth with a power tiller and apply fertilizer for the types of plants in your garden at the recommended rate on the fertilizer label. Water the bed until it is evenly moist but not soggy. Lay drip irrigation hoses along the planting rows. Use either an automatic drip system or lay down garden hoses that have small holes poked in it along the length of the hose. Dig a 3-inch-deep trench around the edges of the garden bed on all sides. In areas where high winds are
