Chloe Zhang
Covering garden beds with plastic is a great way to protect plants from frost, pests, and bad weather. It can also help to clear weeds and grass, warm the soil, and retain moisture. To cover a garden bed with plastic, first remove any plants and mulch, and ensure the soil is smooth and flat. Next, spread compost and fertilizers over the soil and work it in with a shovel. Smooth the soil's surface with a rake and lay a soaker hose down each planting row. Cut any remaining grass and weeds down and cover the area with thick, dark plastic sheeting. Hold the plastic down with heavy objects like bricks or stones, or use a staple gun if the bed is made of wood. Finally, make X-shaped slits in the plastic to plant resilient annual crops like pumpkins, squash, and potatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To kill weeds and grass, clear land, protect from frost, bad weather, pests, and control the environment |
| Type of Plastic | Thick, dark, black plastic sheeting; Translucent plastic; Black plastic mulch |
| Plastic Thickness | 3-6" |
| Preparation | Cut grass and weeds, spread compost, remove dead weeds, ensure the soil is smooth and flat |
| Fixing Methods | Weigh down with bricks, stones, and other heavy objects; Staple gun; Snap clamps |
| Timing | Apply at least two weeks before planting |
| Crops | Pumpkins, squash, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers |
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What You'll Learn
Using black plastic to kill weeds
First, cut the grass and weeds down as short as possible. Then, cover the area with thick, dark plastic sheeting. Weigh down the plastic with bricks, large quartz stones, or other heavy objects to ensure it stays in place. The plastic traps heat and creates a greenhouse effect, eventually killing everything growing underneath it, even perennial weeds. This technique, called sheet mulching, works through light exclusion and soil polarization.
While you wait for the plastic to work, you can also get a crop. Make X-shaped slits in the plastic and plant resilient annual crops like pumpkins, squash, and potatoes. The large leaves of squash and potatoes can help stifle weeds by blocking sunlight. Just be aware that there will be a lot of pests under the plastic, so choose crops that won't be affected by slugs or cutworms. Before setting the plastic, it's also important to put a layer of compost on top of the land to ensure your crops are productive.
Once the plastic has had time to work, you can peel it back and begin planting in your cleared land. The plastic can then be folded up and reused multiple times or used for other purposes, such as lining a pond or covering outdoor furniture.
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Protecting from frost and bad weather
Frost covers, such as row covers, polyethylene sheeting, and cloches, are effective tools to protect your garden beds from frost and cold weather. These covers are typically used in spring and autumn when temperatures can suddenly dip. They create a barrier that shields your plants from the cold and helps regulate the temperature around them.
Cloches, for example, have traditionally been bell-shaped glass jars placed over plants for protection. While still available, they are now more decorative than practical due to their fragility and cost. Instead, you can use upcycled items like milk and water jugs, juice containers, or opt for plastic cloches readily available online or at garden centres. For larger areas, a mini hoop tunnel is recommended.
To protect your garden beds from heavy rain, you can use plastic covers. Plastic laid directly on the soil surface or suspended off the soil using a hoop-house system will protect the soil from constant rainfall, preventing it from becoming soggy. This also helps the soil warm up more quickly in the spring and retains nutrients that would otherwise be lost to runoff.
When using plastic covers, ensure they are secured properly to withstand strong winds and winter weather. You can use snap clamps to hold the plastic sheeting to hoops or weigh down the sides with rocks, logs, or other heavy materials. If your garden bed has wooden walls, you can use a staple gun to attach the plastic, pulling it taut and securing it at regular intervals.
In addition to frost and rain protection, plastic covers can also provide temporary shelter from extreme weather events such as hail, downpours, and strong winds. These covers can be quickly set up over your garden beds to offer effective protection until the inclement weather passes.
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Reducing pest damage
Garden bed covers are an effective way to reduce pest damage. They can be used to protect plants from insects, such as flea beetles and cabbage worms, as well as larger pests like deer and rabbits. Squirrels and birds are also mentioned as pests that can be deterred by garden bed covers.
There are various types of garden bed covers available, including lightweight row covers, hoop tunnels, portable cold frames, and box frames. Row covers are often made from fabric that allows light and water to pass through while blocking insects. They can be floated on hoops over the bed to prevent insects and other pests from accessing crops. Bird netting or chicken wire can also be placed on top of hoops to deter larger animals. For crawling pests, a fine mesh can be laid at the base of the bed or the row cover can be secured directly on the soil's surface.
For those who prefer a DIY approach, it is possible to build a simple "lid" for an existing raised bed using plywood strips, wood screws, fabric, thread, and optional screen door handles for ease of movement. The fabric is stapled and anchored to the plywood frame, which is then placed on top of and inside the raised bed, acting as a barrier to pests.
In addition to physical barriers, pest damage can be reduced by encouraging a balance of healthy microorganisms, beneficial predators, and companion plants in the garden ecosystem. This natural approach avoids harmful pesticides and provides a long-term solution to pest control.
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Preparing the soil
Firstly, it is essential to clear the area of any unwanted plants, weeds, and debris. Cut down the grass and weeds as much as possible to create a relatively smooth and flat surface. Removing weeds beforehand is crucial, as they can regrow and penetrate the plastic covering. Additionally, ensure that you dispose of any diseased plants appropriately to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
Next, till or turn over the soil to a depth of at least one foot, especially if you are dealing with heavy clay soils or soils that have not been cultivated in a long time. This process helps break up and remove any clods, rocks, sticks, and hard roots that could potentially tear or puncture the plastic sheeting. It also improves the soil structure and creates a more hospitable environment for plants to grow to their full potential.
Once the soil is adequately turned over, you can add any necessary fertilizers, compost, or organic amendments. Spread a thick layer of compost, aged animal manure, or cover crop residues over the soil. These amendments will not only provide nutrients to the soil but also help suppress weed growth by excluding light and blocking sunlight. Use a shovel to work the amendments into the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed.
After amending the soil, use a rake to smooth out the surface, creating an even canvas for the plastic covering. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the plastic sheeting lays snugly against the soil, with no gaps or air pockets. A smooth surface also helps prevent tears or punctures in the plastic caused by sharp or protruding objects.
Finally, before laying the plastic, you can choose to lay a soaker hose down each planting row in the garden bed. This step is especially useful if you plan to grow crops that require regular watering. By installing the soaker hose beforehand, you can ensure that your plants receive adequate irrigation without disturbing the plastic covering.
By following these comprehensive steps, you will effectively prepare the soil in your garden beds for plastic covering. Remember that proper soil preparation is essential for successful gardening and will help create a healthy environment for your plants to thrive.
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Securing the plastic
Prepare the Garden Bed Surface:
Before laying down the plastic, it's essential to prepare the garden bed surface, especially if you're aiming for weed control. Remove any remaining weeds, mulch, or plants from the bed. If they were affected by disease, dispose of them properly. Till or turn over the soil to a depth of about a foot, breaking up any clods, rocks, or hard roots that could potentially puncture the plastic.
Smoothen the Surface:
For the plastic to lay snugly against the soil, ensure the surface is smooth and flat. Use a rake to even out the soil's surface, creating a uniform layer. This step is crucial, especially if you're using a thin plastic sheet, as it reduces the chances of tears or punctures.
Add Compost or Fertilizers:
Spread any necessary fertilizers or compost over the soil and work them into the top 6 to 8 inches. This step not only nourishes the soil but also helps suppress weed seed germination by excluding light.
Lay the Plastic Sheet:
Choose a plastic sheet that is thick, dark, and opaque. This type of plastic traps heat, creating a greenhouse effect, which is beneficial for warming the soil and encouraging growth. Carefully lay the plastic sheet over the entire garden bed, ensuring it covers the edges to prevent weeds from creeping in.
Secure with Weights:
To prevent the plastic from being blown away by strong winds or curious pests, secure it with weights. Place heavy objects like bricks, pavers, sandbags, stones, pipes, cinder blocks, or logs around the perimeter of the bed. Ensure they are tucked tightly against the inside walls, especially if you have a raised bed.
Staple Gun for Raised Beds:
If your raised bed has wooden walls, a staple gun can be a highly effective way to secure the plastic. Wrap the corners of the plastic around the bed, stapling it in place every 6 to 8 inches. Then, add a few weights on top to ensure it remains stable even during windy conditions.
Create a Hoop System:
For larger areas or to create a mini greenhouse effect, consider constructing a hoop system. Create a frame using hoops or bendable material and secure the plastic sheet to the frame. This method is often used for frost protection and can be easily adapted for raised beds or larger garden areas.
Remember, it's essential to check your garden bed regularly, especially after strong winds or storms, to ensure the plastic remains securely in place. By following these steps, you'll effectively secure the plastic covering, creating an optimal environment for your plants to thrive.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering garden beds with plastic can help to suppress weed growth, retain moisture in the soil, and protect plants from frost, pests, and extreme weather conditions.
You should use thick, dark plastic sheeting to cover your garden beds. Black plastic mulch is commonly recommended as it prevents water loss from evaporation, helping to keep the soil moist.
You can use heavy objects such as bricks, stones, pipes, or sandbags to weigh down the plastic and prevent it from blowing away. Alternatively, if your garden bed has wooden walls, you can use a staple gun to secure the plastic.
