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Re: CULT: Solarization

From: "Patrick Orr" <PatrickJOrr@hotmail.com>

Ok...here is a topic I can comment on....from the hot zone.
 
I have been effectively solarizing my garden for years now, and with the summer heat the process is really a good method to remain as organic as possible.
 
I do not solarize my garden every single year...for it is not necessary.  Rick and Roger find it necessary because they have a commercial garden, but weeds in a small private garden are much easier to handle.
 
Right around the hottest time of the year, when everything seems to fry, I solarize my soil. 
 
The first thing to do is get it wet.  Then after a few days, I rototill the heck out of it.  Some people add compost or other organic stuff to the soil when they do this, but I find it is better to add amendments AFTER the solarizing is complete. 
 
Clear plastic gets laid on top and weighted down on the sides.  I like to slip the edge of the plastic under some soil on the edge, that way the soil does not dry out as fast. 
 
Worms go down, but when it is that hot the worms are down about a foot anyway.  They can come up at night after things cool off and feed.Solar heat at best only kills stuff in the upper 6 to 8 inches of soil. Worms are fine, there is nothing to worry about.
 
I like to rototill after a month and then again a month later.  After the third month I pull up the plastic, add organic matter, rototill, water, and then let it breath for a week or so before planting anything in the fall.
 
I have not had any problems with this method ever.
 
Patrick Orr
P*@Hotmail.com
Zone 9 Region 15
Member: AIS, TBIS, SDIS (local)
----- Original Message -----
From: H*@aol.com
To: i*@onelist.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2000 5:38 PM
Subject: [iris-talk] CULT: Solarization

From: H*@aol.com

In a message dated 1/19/00 7:26:55 PM Eastern Standard Time,
m*@junction.net writes:

<<  Actually, weed control is a side result from the main purpose which is
the eradication of pathogens from the soil >>

I keep wondering if this process roasts anything good out of the soil, too.
Good little microrganisms or something. Very tiny useful bugs. Why would it
be selective and affect only pathogens? And where do the worms go? Down?

Anner Whitehead
HIPSource@aol.com

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