Question From: R. Colvin - TENNESSEE
Q: If using soil solarization to kill weeds around vegetable plants with clear plastic, will the soil temp at up to 125 degrees be too high and in turn, kill the plants, too? We have put plastic over the entire garden and cut holes for the tomato plants. If this is not a safe method we need to change it fast. The weeds seem to be flourishing under the plastic at the present.
A: Professionals use black plastic to block out the sun and prevent weeds from growing. You can cover it with mulch. For soil solarization temperatures and their effects, you can find some links to studies and information at Wikipedia here. Please let us know of your success. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
