- 1). Measure garden area where you would like to use the black plastic. Black plastic is sold in 3-by-5-foot rolls. The best way to use the sheets is to lay it prior to planting.
- 2). Remove all weeds in the target area before laying mulch. Moisten the soil with a light sprinkling of water. Do not use too much water as the wet ground will then be prone to compaction as you walk over to lay the plastic.
- 3). Cover entire area with the plastic mulch. Weigh down the edges with soil to avoid movement and to keep wind from getting under it. You can put wood chips at occasional intervals on the plastic as this helps to create better contact of plastic with soil. Direct contact with soil is the best way to improve efficacy of the plastic.
- 4). Cut "T" or "X" shaped holes in the plastic where you are planning to grow the plants. Sow the seeds or transplant through these holes. This is also where the plants will be watered.
- 5). Use a drip irrigation system to water plants in plastic mulch. This helps to reduce the chances of foliar diseases caused when leaves fail to dry properly with overhead watering.
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