Soil Solarization

Soil solarization is a chemical free way to kill weed seeds, insects, and insect eggs in between planting times. It is easy, inexpensive, and

best of all, it uses the free summer heat that is so abundant in Texas!

This method of preparing a garden can be used on almost any size of garden from a small raised bed garden to a large commercial operation. To start, clear the garden area of grass, plants, and weeds and then wet the area very deeply with water. Next, cover the plot with a clear or light-colored plastic sheet (such as 1 to 4 mil painter’s plastic) or a tarp, both of which can be found at the local hardware store. Make sure that the edges of the plastic are tucked under a little bit of soil around the edges. Rocks or bricks could also be used to keep the edges down against the ground so the heat doesn’t escape. This will also help keep the wind from blowing the plastic away or out of place.

Depending upon where you live in Texas, the temperature under the plastic can get up to 160 degrees! Start the soil solarization process at least four weeks before you plan on starting your Fall garden. It is important to leave the plastic on the moist garden area for four weeks to completely kill the undesirable seeds and insects. When the plastic is removed, the ground should be moist and bare of weeds, grass, and insects. The heat and steam that forms under the plastic kills all organisms, including good things the plants may need. It is a good idea to apply a bit of compost or fertilizer to the garden area after solarization. The solarization process can be done with in-ground gardens as well as raised bed gardens.

Okra is about the only vegetable that loves to grow in Texas gardens in July and August. So while the okra is growing and the rest of the garden is undeveloped, try preparing the garden for Fall season planting by solarizing the soil.

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