I have black plastic under my tomatoes, future watermelons and okras. Wondering when I should take it off....it has started to get really HOT around here! The tomatoes Im pretty sure dont need it anymore. They look amazing and are getting ready to flower.
The watermelons and okra plants Im not sure about. I know they are heat lovers but I dont want to overdo it....plus that stuff is so ugly! The sugar babies are just seedings and the okras I started indoors 7 weeks ago. They are in raised beds on my warmest southern facing side.
Thanks for any opinions guys and gals!!!
Plants: 264 | From: Lehigh Valley, PA | Registered: Sep 2005
| Seeded: 24.229.242.122
posted
'sparagus...you could remove the plastic, or you could mulch over the top if you provide a way for water to get to your plants' roots. You don't need the heating effect anymore, but mulch would block the intense heat of the sun. Plastic, though I have never used it, will keep down weeds, You might try putting down weep irrigation hoses under the plastic, then put the plastic back down and mulch, or you could yank it up and mulch well. Different people have different methods. I grow weeds! I'll figure it all out one day!
* * * * Dave Even my growlights are getting restless! Plants: 2290 | From: norman, ok | Registered: Apr 2005
| Seeded: 69.30.170.166
posted
I'd remove the plastic, cause the soil needs to breathe as do the plant roots and the critters in the soil. Mulch to hold the moisture and retain a constant soil temperature. Those vegies like it hot but the roots are best kept cool relative to summer daytime temps.
* * * * The secret is the soil. Plants: 1184 | From: East Coast | Registered: Sep 2004
| Seeded: 146.38.90.16
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![[flower]](graemlins/flower.gif)
ugly! The sugar babies are just seedings and the okras I started indoors 7 weeks ago. They are in raised beds on my warmest southern facing side.![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Printer-friendly view of this garden