Visiting this web site requires a newer version of Netscape Communicator.
Visit Microsoft's Web site to obtain the newest version of Internet Explorer, or visit Netscape's Web site to obtain the newest version of Netscape Communicator.
Visiting this web site without first upgrading your browser may result in unreliable behavior.
I have been using black plastic mulch in my vegetable garden for years. It eliminates weeding, cuts down on watering, and the warmer soil produces earlier crops.
The February 2001 issue of American Vegetable Grower reported on Penn State University’s research with colored plastic mulch. I am now testing red, green, and silver on black, in 4 foot wide rolls.
If you would like some to test, I will sell 100-foot lengths for $29.95. Call me at (517) 546-7030 or (800) 789-4832 and I will bring whatever you need into Haviland Printing & Graphics for you to pick up. Or email me your address and I will let you know what it would cost to ship it to you by UPS (must be a street address and not a P.O. Box). See below for more information.
Dale Haviland
What is the advantage of using plastic mulch? Using plastic mulch creates increased yields, earlier maturing crops, crops of higher quality, less insect problems, and weed control. The use of plastic mulch also has the benefit of increased moisture retention. Crops such as cantaloupe, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, watermelons, and okra have shown significant positive responses from the use of plastic mulch. Plastic mulch is flexible and stretchable. It will conform to both flat and raised beds. It is strong enough for either double cropping in the same season or possibly over two seasons. It is easily removed.
What are the different colors of plastic mulch? Originally, plastic mulches were primarily black, clear, and white. Clear produces the most heat, but weeds grow like crazy. White keeps the soil cool. Black warms the soil and blocks weed growth. Additional colors have now been introduced such as red, blue, yellow, gray, orange, brown, olive or green, and silver or silver on black.
What was the reasoning behind the development of different colors? Various colors affect the surface temperature of the mulch and the underlying soil temperature differently. They also provide different degrees of insect and weed control.
What are the primary advantages of these colors and what plants benefit most?
RED Advantages: Tomato yields as much as 20% higher than with black plastic. Soil warming of 4 to 6 degrees. Almost total weed control. Reduction of soil moisture evaporation. Plants: Tomatoes, Eggplant, Onion, Potato.
GREEN Advantages: Generates almost as much heat as clear mulch and suppresses weeds like black mulch. Earlier and higher yields than with black mulch. Soil warming of 8 to 10 degrees. Weed control and moisture retention. Plants: Melons, cucumbers, winter squash.
SILVER ON BLACK Advantages: Repels some insects, reducing insect damage and the spread of viruses and fungus. The black bottom suppresses weeds better than red plastic, and increases soil temperature. Plants: Pepper, Onion, Potato
Is it too late for this year? Plants will tend to “catch up” when planted late. Lots of varieties of tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables will mature in less than 60 days. So you could plant until 60 days before you expect a frost.
