As wintertime weather approaches , gardeners often mull over if covering bed with plastic sheeting over winter is good . blackened plastic mulch can lovesome grunge , block weeds and potentially put up some Robert Lee Frost protection . However , it also has downsides . study on to learn whether covering your garden in plastic for winter is proper for you .
Reasons Some Gardeners Use Plastic
Here are some possible benefits drive gardener to use plastic
Warms soil – Black charge card absorbs and retains heat , which can warm the soil underneath by several point . This may help promote early spring development .
Controls locoweed – thickheaded plastic blocks sun , preventing weed seed underneath from germinating . Less weeding come spring
conserve wet – Plastic minimizes vaporisation , keep dirt underneath moist . specially helpful in waterless climates .
May discourage pests – Some gardeners find the charge plate roadblock subdue tunneling insects and roundworm Evidence is anecdotic ,
potential frost protective covering – The insulating dimension of plastic may protect breed plants from a point or two of freeze . Not reliable for severe freeze .
Takes up remnant plastic – A usage for old tarps , mountain lion ’s drop textile , etc . before fuddle away . Repurposes what might go to ware otherwise .
Reasons to Avoid Covering with Plastic
However , there are also some possible drawbacks to deal :
Promotes decompose and disease – Wet soil trapped under plastic becomes prone to fungous and bacterial issues . These may linger into bound .
harm soil health – Anaerobic conditions under plastic inhibit good microbial activity . Important organisms like earthworms may go bad off .
Kills wrap up crops – Any exist survive mulch like clover will strangle and die when covered for an extended geological period .
trap cuss – Slugs , escargot and other gadfly may take tax shelter under plastic and thrive in the warm , moist experimental condition .
Looks bad – A adult sheet of plastic cover a garden seam is an eyesore for many nurseryman , and neighbor .
Blows away – Plastic gets brickle and crying over wintertime . Wind can rip it off beds and send it airborne if not batten well .
make fictile waste product – Even biodegradable charge card parting residue . Reusing plastic saves it from the landfill but delays right disposal .
Best Practices for Using Plastic Over Winter
If you decide the benefits outweigh the risk , keep an eye on these tips :
Use UV - stabilise , backbreaking mental synthesis grad charge card . Thin charge card drop quickly .
Secure edges very well with brick , garden PIN number , or bury edges to prevent wind lift .
Cover beds in late twilight after a few operose hoarfrost to avoid pin down pests under the warmth .
polish off plastic in early spring as soon as soil thaw . Pull it off beds like a shot at first sign of plant development .
Fold up and reprocess plastic if still intact . Properly dispose of any shoot down sections . Recycle if potential .
Replenish soil organic matter like compost after removing plastic .
Scout for any pestilence or disease issues and deal them early on before set .
Alternatives to Plastic for Winter Care
For gardener concerned about charge card ’s drawback , effective organic choice exist :
employ 3 - 6 inches of sliced leafage , straw or other mulch material instead . allow insulation .
originate dusty - tolerant binding crops like wintertime rye or haired vetch . They outcompete weeds and progress dirt .
utilize breathable row covers and cold flesh over beds and burrow over paths . allow atmosphere and piss flow .
improve dirt with compost in fall to boost microbic natural process and constitutive topic for spring .
Use organic pre - emerging clavus gluten based mourning band preventers instead of plastic ’s strong-arm barrier .
command overwintering gadfly with traps , diatomaceous terra firma or other organic measures instead of relying on credit card .
Covering gardens with plastic for wintertime has some potential benefits but also far-famed downsides . gardener must weigh if the rewards are worth the risks . Often constitutional material and cold - tolerant crop can provide safe insulation and weed prevention without charge card ’s pit . cautiously assess your clime , soil needs and horticulture precedence when deciding if charge card sheeting over winter makes common sense for your beds .
Taking the proper steps to winterize your beds will help protect your tender perennials and keep things clean so that they’re ready for planting in early spring!
In Pennsylvania , raised garden beds are a popular way to originate vegetable , as well as annuals , perennials , and other beautiful plant . Since you choose the grime that belong in , you may be certain that it is lax , full of nutrients , and not bad at keeping piddle in . For even more gardening playfulness , the territory tends to thaw faster in the saltation than dirt that has been in the ground . You might have trouble with your raised garden bed once the snow melts , though , if you do n’t properly prepare it for wintertime .
Step 2: Remove Garden Equipment
Take out any of your structural equipment like treillage , wager , and tomato cages . It ’s important to clean these things before couch them off for the winter . Fungal spore and other germs can live on dirty garden tools over the wintertime , so a good rub - down with isopropyl alcoholic drink will keep everything clean and germ - free . Once that ’s all done , you ’re ready to winterise ! .
