Chloe Zhang
Gardening with plastic sheeting, also known as plasticulture, is a method of gardening that can increase yields and eliminate pests. The plastic is laid over the soil where the plants will be placed, with landscaping pins or stakes used to hold it in place. The most popular type of plastic sheeting is black plastic mulch, which has been used since the 1950s. Black plastic mulch is effective at preventing weeds, reflecting sunlight, and warming the soil. It is important to note that plastic sheeting can overwork and trap heat, potentially scorching plants, and it may not be suitable for crops with long roots or for use in cool climates. Additionally, it is crucial to choose plastics that are safe for gardening, such as HDPE and LDPE, to avoid transmitting harmful chemicals into the soil or food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of plastic | HDPE, LDPE, PVC |
| Safe plastics | HDPE, LDPE |
| Unsafe plastics | PVC |
| Plastic uses | Mulch, sheeting, hoses, pots, drip lines, concrete mixing trays, planter for shallow-rooted plants |
| Benefits of plastic | Pest control, Weed control, Soil moisture control, Fertilizer utilization, Erosion control, Soil compaction control, Insulation, Increased yields |
| Drawbacks of plastic | Overheating, Root water access, Environmental impact |
| Planting technique | Cut an X or a hole in the plastic, place plant or seed in the ground |
| Plastic colour | Black, Clear, Red, Yellow |
| Plastic type | Biodegradable, Photo-degradable, Non-biodegradable |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right type of plastic
When planting a garden with plastic, it is important to choose a type of plastic that is safe for your plants and the environment. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right type of plastic:
Type of Plastic
The most common type of plastic used in gardening is polyethylene, which comes in two forms: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). HDPE is known for its durability and is often used in concrete mixing trays and irrigation pipes. It is safe for gardening as it is not known to transmit chemicals into the soil or food. LDPE, on the other hand, is more flexible and is commonly found in garden hoses, irrigation drip lines, and plastic pots. Like HDPE, it is also considered very safe for gardening.
Colour of Plastic
The colour of the plastic you choose can also make a difference. Black plastic mulch is the most popular and inexpensive option. It is effective at preventing weeds by blocking light and warming the soil. However, it can potentially overwork and trap heat, scorching your plants. Clear plastic can also be used, but it may require the application of an herbicide to control weeds. Red, yellow, and white plastic options are also available, but black and clear are the easiest to find. If you use a black and white sheet, remember to keep the black side down to avoid overheating your seeds and plants.
Biodegradability
Consider using biodegradable or photo-degradable plastic mulches to avoid contributing to plastic waste in landfills. These options will need to be removed at the end of the growing season to prevent them from breaking down into small pieces in your garden.
Food-Safe Plastic
Plastics that are used for food storage are generally safe for gardening as well. For example, the plastic from salad dressing bottles or liquid detergent containers is made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and can be reused for gardening purposes. However, PVC does contain chemicals known as phthalates, which may not be the best for human health.
Overall, when choosing the right type of plastic for your garden, opt for food-safe, biodegradable plastics that will not leach harmful chemicals into your soil or plants.
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Prepare the plastic for planting
When preparing plastic for planting, it is important to consider the type of plastic you will be using. The most popular and least expensive option is black plastic mulch sheeting, which has been in use since the 1950s. Black plastic is effective at preventing weeds and warming the soil. However, it is not organic and will eventually need to be disposed of in a landfill. If you are concerned about the environmental impact, you can opt for one of the newer biodegradable or photo-degradable black plastic mulches.
Another type of plastic you can use is clear plastic. Clear plastic can also be effective in controlling weeds, although it may require the application of an herbicide. It helps to create a clean look in your garden and can improve soil moisture control, reducing crop competition for moisture and fertilizer.
Other coloured options for plastic mulch include red and yellow. These options can be more difficult to find but are available if you prefer not to use black or clear plastic.
Once you have selected the type of plastic you wish to use, you will need to prepare your garden bed. Create a raised bed with two deep V-channels on either side of the row. Then, place a soaker hose or drip system down the centre of the bed. If you are using black plastic, it is best to do this when the earth is moist so that the soil under the plastic will hold moisture.
Now, you are ready to lay out the plastic. Roll out the plastic to the length of the row and fill in the Vs with soil to hold the plastic in place. Use landscaping pins or stakes to secure the plastic and ensure it is tight. You can cover rows or your entire garden, depending on your preference.
Finally, when the plastic is securely in place, you can cut holes for planting. Cut an X or a circle in the plastic where you want each plant to go. It is recommended to make the holes about the size of a baseball or smaller. This will allow you to plant seeds or transplants without creating extra space for weeds to grow or critters to crawl into. Remember, if you are using black plastic with one side black and one side white, keep the black side facing down to avoid overheating your seeds and plants.
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Plant seeds or seedlings
Plastic sheeting can be used to create a greenhouse effect, warming the soil and extending the growing season. It can also help to reduce weeds and slow-growing plants.
If you are planting seeds, you can use the baggie method. Start by finding out your climate zone and microclimate, which will help you decide the best time to sow your seeds. Then, take a plastic bag and some absorbent material such as a towel, coffee filter, paper towel, or moss. Moisten the absorbent material, place seeds on one side, and fold over. Put the seeds in the plastic bag and seal. If the seeds need light, place them by a bright window. If not, put them in a drawer or cupboard where it is warm. Open the bag every five to seven days to release excess condensation.
If you are planting seedlings, you can use biodegradable plant pots, commonly called Jiffy pots, to prevent transplant shock and reduce plastic waste. Simply plant your seedlings, pot and all, directly into the garden. Alternatively, you can use recycled yoghurt cups, milk cartons, or paper cups, or seed-starting trays. If you have been growing your seedlings indoors, you will need to harden them off before planting them in the garden. About a week before you plan to plant them, place them in a protected spot outdoors (partly shaded, out of the wind) for a few hours, bringing them in at night. Over the course of a week or ten days, gradually expose them to more and more sunshine and wind.
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Maintain the garden
Maintaining a healthy garden requires a few key steps. Firstly, it is important to check the health of your plants regularly. Inspect your plants for pests, rot, and disease, as bringing in infected plants can harm your entire garden. Common destructive bugs include aphids, gnats, and whiteflies, which can be eliminated using pesticides or other extermination methods. It is also crucial to understand the concept of the "disease triangle", which states that a disease requires a susceptible plant, a pathogen, and favourable environmental conditions. Therefore, removing any one of these factors can prevent the disease.
Proper watering techniques are essential for maintaining your garden. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungi growth and leaf spots. Water only as often as necessary for your specific plant species, and ensure the soil dries between waterings. You can automate watering with a drip irrigation system or use sprinklers sparingly. Additionally, consider the soil quality and treat it when necessary. Soil degrades over time and may need to be replaced. Adding mulch can help retain moisture and supply organic matter to your soil as it degrades.
Another aspect of garden maintenance is performing plant maintenance tasks such as deadheading, pruning, and culling. Deadheading involves removing old flower blooms to encourage new growth. Pruning helps control growth and creates space by cutting back branches. Culling involves removing unhealthy parts of plants to promote growth and deter pests. Fertilizing your garden is also crucial, ensuring you use the right amount and type of fertilizer for your specific plant species.
To protect your garden, set up a barrier such as a wire fence. This will keep herbivores, critters, and other pests from damaging your plants while still allowing sunlight to reach your garden. Staking your plants is another important maintenance technique, especially for plants like cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. It involves fixing sticks into the ground and tying your plant stems to them for support, preventing bending or breaking.
Lastly, remember to clean your gardening tools regularly. This helps control diseases and prevents the transfer of bacteria or dangerous elements into your garden. Maintaining the cleanliness of your tools contributes to the overall health and longevity of your garden.
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Remove plastic at the end of the growing season
It is important to remove plastic from your garden at the end of the growing season. If you do not, the plastic can break down into small pieces, which are difficult and time-consuming to pick up and remove. You do not want them blowing around your yard.
The best way to remove plastic from your garden is to lift it up and roll it up. You can then store it for next year. If you are using biodegradable plastic, you do not need to remove it, but it is still a good idea to do so, as it will eventually break down and become difficult to remove.
If you are using plastic sheeting to kill weeds, you should remove the plastic as soon as the land underneath is bare or the plants are all dead. This timing will be different every time, so it is important to check regularly by lifting up the edge of the plastic.
Removing plastic from your garden at the end of the growing season is a good way to reduce plastic waste. Most plastic products are not renewable and do not decompose readily. As a result, they can cause harm to ecosystems, animals, and human health.
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Frequently asked questions
Using plastic to plant a garden can help to eliminate weeds and pests, warm the soil, extend crops' growing time, and hold moisture in the soil.
HDPE and LDPE plastics are considered very safe options for the garden. They are not known to transmit chemicals into the soil or food and can be used in a wide range of temperatures.
It is important to know which side of the plastic should face up. For example, if using black and white agriculture plastic, the black side should be facing down to avoid overheating. Additionally, ensure that the plastic is secured properly to prevent weeds from growing underneath.
