RE: CULT: RE: Bed restoration

Over the years we have used both the black and the clear when solarizing.
We leave it on a minimum of 6 weeks and as along as 12 weeks, depending on
how efficient we get in the spring.  We were firm believers that the black
plastic worked best until Rick and Roger got us to try the clear.  Sure
enough they are right, the clear is better.  We now clean the beds, till
them, add any amendments (compost and alfalfa pellets), till again, put down
our drip irrigation lines, and cover with 6 ml clear plastic.  We anchor the
edges down with either landscape timbers or concrete block.  Our biggest
worry is wind.  Our 40 mph winds can strip the cover off a bed in a
heartbeat with something heavy on the edges.
Not only does the solarizing help with the weeds, (even slows the bindweed)
but the soil that has been solarized seems to have a better tilth than soil
treated identically without the solarizing.
As far as the looks, the plastic is not ideal but it is much better than a
bed full of weeds waiting for me to clear and plant it.
Good luck with your solarizing efforts!!

Dana Brown
Malevil Iris Gardens
Pres. South Plains Iris Society
Region 17, Judges Training Chair
AIS, MIS, ASI, RIS, TBIS
Lubbock, TX  79403
Zone 7 USDA, Zone 10 Sunset
d*@malevil-iris.com

-----Original Message-----
From: albee703 [a*@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2002 4:03 PM
To: iris-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [iris-talk] CULT: RE: Bed restoration

Many thanks to all that replied. I looked at the archives. I was
specifically looking for Rick Tasco's comments as he was or is a
leading proponent of solarizarion. I couldn't find it. I think that
was on Iris-L.

An aside to Arnold. I shied away from using my solution because of
Bill's concern. Cathy, does your clear plastic breakup?. I've had
that happen and boy does that stuff spread. Faster than
bindweed. ;>)

I've saved your replies on a notpad doc. I'm going to read
carefully.  I had pulled info off the archives but was hoping to
uncover new info. Like a miracle cure. Pencillin every four hours.

Again, many thanks.

Al Bullock





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