Gardening/Yardwork - Putting Tarp/Plastic on Soil Method?

Question

I saw my neighbors last year use this method: I'm looking for a good website on it. Please.
They put some black plastic over their soil. Then after a couple weeks they cut holes in the plastic and planted their yard plants. The plants within a month had grown beautifully and practically covered all the black plastic. Any websites on this method would be fantastic. Thank You!!

Answer 1

I'm not sure about plastic, but my mother in the past has used this roll of black stuff from those home/garden stores like that that is supposed to deter weeds. That might be what they had.
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?prod_id=100013129

As for plastic, I actually got an early start on some corn last year when it was still a bit cool by putting clear plastic over the area to trap in the day's warmth. Worked like a charm. (But I only used it until the nights were warmer.)

Answer 2

You can't use plain black plastic. The fabric sold at most stores will work becasue it allows water through. I had an aunt on a farm that used a thick layer of newspaper in between her plants to keep the weeds down.

Answer 3

Don't use tarps or plastic. Just find some good wood chip mulch. Allows more air and water in, plus slowly puts nutrients back into the soil. You'll also have to water less.

Answer 4

They left plastic down? I would think that it wouldn't let enough air in and water couldn't penetrate. I have used plastic before to kill out grass before planting a bed. However, I removed the plastic before I planted.

You can use landscape fabric to help reduce weeds. It can be laid down and cut holes in it.

Answer 5

I don't know of a website, but I used this black mess last year. I did not wait to cut hole and plant, but did it in the same day.
The idea is to have little or no weeding. I bought mine at the garden center at K-mart.

Answer 6

yo what up girl wat you growing ganja you crazy see you next week we gona party tell mom im sorry peace out kid ok