From

Location

Message

Date Posted

France

Hi
Just wonder what are the details of the black fabrics growers used to cover the watermelon patches ?
Roots and water go through. Any links would be even better.
Many thanks

4/10/2015 6:30:43 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

It sounds like a non-woven geotextile fabric. There are many manufacturers, thicknesses, colors, etc. We used these to reinforce steep outlet sections of grassed waterways for erosion control. We would place grass seed and mulch on the fabric and it would root right through. I don't think you would want the woven geotextile. I would do a search for non-woven geotextile to find a supplier in your area.

4/10/2015 9:22:49 AM

Lexington, Ky

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=30&p=524395

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Patio-Lawn-Garden-Weed-Barrier-Fabric/zgbs/lawn-garden/3480708011

4/10/2015 11:09:01 AM

France

Thanks
Which ones Sue, Chris, Bill and others heavy hitters are using exactly?
There are so many different quality...

4/11/2015 12:57:29 PM

Lexington, Ky

Sue is "Barbeetoo" in the thread link...she tells what she uses....

4/11/2015 1:29:09 PM

SW Ohio

Hi Mehdi. I like a thin fabric with a weight of 3 oz. OR even less if I can find it. The brand I usually buy is DeWitt and I buy it off Amazon.

4/11/2015 5:52:18 PM

sevierville, Tn

i found some at home depot today on special 2 for 10.00 its just a cheap 1 year landscape fabric.

4/11/2015 10:13:27 PM

France

Thank you !
Have you ever used a thick fabric that hold moisture for severals days ? Vines would rot and got disease maybe cos of the permanent moisture or in opposite it'll help to developp taproots ?

4/12/2015 9:38:16 AM

formerly RGG

Medhi, you need to have very well drained soil to grow the biggest melons.I believe good drainage is very important. I have added agricultural sand to my soil this year along with some pea gravel to help improve my drainage and I also built my raised bed higher.Too much water will cause roots to rot or develop diseases. So don't water too often to grow the best roots. And when you do water, water deeply ( a lot ).

4/12/2015 8:56:04 PM

France

Thanks again for the infos

4/14/2015 4:17:46 AM