Re: Solarization?


Janet,

a few weeks isn't enough to completely kill all of the weed seeds.  Since
this is the method I use to make compost, I've had bags sit all summer in
the sun, full of shredded leaves and other yard debris.  Come fall, I can
open a bag and see things that have sprouted (the leaves and stems will be
white as snow).  I've even seen tulip bulbs or gladiolus I've dug up by
mistake sprout in cooler weather.  You may want to wait an entire season
before using the contents of your plastic bags.

One thing that might be different in your case is that you aren't letting
water and air into your bags.  I punch many holes in mine to allow bugs in,
too (I've even found earthworms in my bags on occasion).  Decomposition
seems to be faster this way.  It is a very efficient way to make a good
compost without using a fork to do that back-breaking turning of a compost
pile.  I just kick the bags around a bit whenever I think about it.  The
compost stays tidy, and I'm not inviting mice to overwinter in it.  The
pile I had previously would be a cozy winter home for several of them!

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Val in KY
zone 6a

---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index