| Should we put down black plastic for weed prevention when we plant our vegtable garden this week. We live in Jacksonville and thought it might get too hot ...but some internet sites recommend it.Thanks |
| Black plastic is not one of my favorite weed blockers. It keeps rainfall and moisture from the sprinkler from penetrating into the soil and it blocks air flow. You can use a weed barrier landscape fabric. It has tiny little holes for moisture and air exchange but will keep weed seeds from germinating. You can lay the weed block fabric and cut slits or holes in which to plant. Or, you can plant your veggies and cover over the bare soil with several inches of compost or other organic mulch, or even lay several thicknesses of newspaper or cardboard over the bare soil. The best thing about organic materials is that they can be dug into the soil at the end of the season which will help enrich your soil. Best wishes with your garden. |
