A very effective, low maintenance, non-toxic and non-chemical way to rid an area of weeds is through soil solarization. Not only do you fry the weeds, you also can control soil-borne pests and all without herbicides and pesticides. (I hear three cheers from our pollinators!)
The method involves heating the soil by covering it with a plastic tarp for 4 to 6 weeks during a hot period of the year when the soil will receive the most direct sunlight. The top 6 inches of the soil will heat up to as high as 140°F, depending on the location. The plastic sheets allow the sun’s radiant energy to be trapped in the soil, heating the top 12 to 18 inches and thus a killing machine for weeds, pathogens, nematodes, and insects.
Last year we converted a weed patch into a new growing space and since we did it late season, we didn't have time to solarize the dirt before planting and boy howdy we chased the weeds!!! Our plastic is now down and we intend to leave it in place through mid-May. Just in time to plant pumpkins!
No comments:
Post a Comment