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Location

Message

Date Posted

Applegate, Oregon

OK, I have seen some mention about solarizing soil. We have had our regular vegetable garden in the same spot for several years and have decided to grow in another location this year in order to rework the soil in the normal location. One of the motivating factors is pigweed, and how bad it has gotten. It has gotten so bad that with my wife is unable to keep up with it and I prioritize the pumpkin patch. So, would solsrizing the soil help with this? If so, what is the best way to do it? Black or clear plastic? How long? Chemicals instead? I plan on adding some compost in the fall and planting a winter cover crop with the intention of growing there again next spring. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

5/28/2005 1:00:53 PM

Key West, FL

Clear Plastic.

5/28/2005 6:17:32 PM

Midway City, California

Wet the soil before you cover with plastic

5/28/2005 7:09:53 PM

Puyallup, WA

Pigweed seeds are in the air constantly. Pre-emergence herbicide will work for a while. Plastic works when it is on the ground, but it has to be removed sometime if you want to grow a garden. Bare ground will sprout pigweeds in six days!

5/28/2005 7:54:34 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

winter rye in the fall, left over and cut before it seeds seems to work wonders here.

5/28/2005 11:00:58 PM

Chico, Ca

most people solarize to kill groundborne pathogens more than for weed control.

5/29/2005 4:04:14 AM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

When do you put the platic on? Before planting, or after the season? I'm using a new area this year. So, a little solarization might help me out.

5/29/2005 6:49:54 PM