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Re: soil sterilization

Hello Linda:

I believe we still have a lot to learn about the microscopic world and
how it works with/against out goals.  I've had much better success with
clear plastic than with black.  Black plastic is great for weed control,
and does a good job of heating itself and the surrounding air.  Clear
plastic allows far more radiant solar energy to penetrate the soil,
making it much better for solarizing the soil.  What seems to work even
better for me is well, nothing.  I garden year round and have found that
digging in some compost, letting the problem bed rest for a season, and
then returning with a different crop category (legumes, nightshades,
cucurbits, brassicas, etc) seems to fix the problem.  No explanation why
this works for me, but it's a lot less hassle than trying to maneuver
large rolls of plasic in 18" wide walkways.

Has anyone else tried the "leave it alone" method?

DC

Linda Lorenzo wrote:
>
> Vivian's problem is mine too! I have a small area for my garden, so I
> cannot rotate crops effectively. I tried non-chemical methods of
> sterilizing the earth, but this year has been the worst ever. My
> tomatoes were willted before they could come to fruition, the eggplants
> are stubby and misshapen. So, whoever has an option other than letting
> it lie fallow for a year under black plastic, please post it to the list
> rather than private email.
>
> Square foot gardening is a natural for anyone like me with very limited
> space--it makes intensive gardening productive.  However, for the
> limited space gardener who tries to maintain organic methods, this
> problem of soil born pathogens is a nightmare!
>
> Linda
> in RI where it continues to rain
>
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