0
points
Plastic Laying

General    None Given

I want to move my layers of plastic closer together, currently we plant winter rye and mow inbetween rows. As we expand and need to be more efficient about using that land I want to move the plastic only a tire length apart. How do people cultivate, mulch, or deal with the weeds in between the plastic.


Posted by: Aliza Pickering (1 point) Aliza Pickering
Posted: April 29, 2013




Answers

2
points
Personally we have found the hardest place to control weeds is right along the edge of the plastic because even using mechanical cultivation that takes care of right in the center if the aisle while the edges seem to be untouched. Seeing as it's the area closest to the plants that is the area we are most concerned about. Some of this issue for us has been helped by laying 4 ft plastic vs 3 ft plastic but it doesn't maximize space it just moves weeds along the edge farther from plants. We have had some luck mowing the aisles as you have but then using a reciprocator along the edge of the plastic which works well but depends on how much space you have. We have four acres - it's too time consuming. We have had limited success with hay between rows and this year we are trying leaves. We had landscapers drop truckloads of leaves off in the fall and from what we have read, leaves work almost as good as straw and not nearly as expensive.


Posted by: Sara Blersch (8 points) Sara Blersch
Posted: May 2, 2013




1
point
Personally, I think wood chips are the ultimate in mulch. A good layer of natural wood chips will block out weeds and they will biodegrade, adding nutrients and minerals to your soil.


Posted by: Samantha Burns (15 points) Samantha Burns
Posted: April 30, 2013




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