Solarization

Solarization is a simple process, one that requires sun and heat - two things gardens in hot climates have in abundance - and time.

Solarization
You can let the sun help you get rid of persistent weeds, if you're willing to leave the bed fallow for six weeks in the summer.

SOLARIZATION - Print solarization occurs when a photographic print is partially developed, then exposed to white light before the print is completely developed. The effect is a reversal of all or some tones - i.e.

Solarization-The practice of heating soil to levels lethal to pests and pathogens through application of clear plastic to the soil surface for 4 to 6 weeks during sunny, warm weather.

SOLARIZATION - The process by which one can sterilize the soil by the sun. Cultivate the area to be isolated, water well, and then cover with 2 - 4 mil of clear plastic.

Soil solarization - The process of covering soil with plastic to trap heat underneath and kill off weeds.
Spade - A tool used to prepare soil. Has a narrower, shorter and flatter blade than a shovel.

What is Solarization?
Now is a good time to cover your vegetable garden beds with plastic. Why? Well, this is a technique know as soil solarization. Solarization is a simple non-chemical technique that captures radiant heat energy from the sun.

Solarization is a good way to kill all vegetation, including most seeds. Mow the area to be planted as low as your lawn mower will allow.

Solarization enables soil heat retention, which in effect, not only helps eliminate most soil problems but also stimulates the release of nutrients presently found within the soil.

Solarization of soil does even more: it helps to control nematodes, weeds, soil-borne diseases and insects. Till the soil while it is slightly moist; water it if necessary.

SOLARIZATION: The process by which one can sterilize the soil by the sun.
SOLUBLE FERTILIZER: A fertilizer that is mixed with water and used not only for root fertilizing but can also be sprayed on the foliage.

To start the solarization process, thoroughly wet the soil and cover it with clear plastic. It's ideal to do this at the height of the summer when there's a lot of heat. It generally takes six to eight weeks to complete the process.

For large areas, use glyphosate herbicide, a rototiller, soil solarization, or a rented sod-stripping machine to clear the area of plants and grass.

Soil Solarization and Weed Control
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For prevention rotate crops each season, plant resistant selections, utilize soil solarization, and fertilize and water adequately to promote vigorous plants. Immediately remove infected plants. Do not use diseased plants as mulch or in compost.

At least six weeks of abundant sunshine are needed for effective solarization, which kills not only pathogens, but also beneficial organisms. That's not the only drawback.

Clean away existing vegetation by hand or smother it by covering the soil with black- or clear-plastic sheeting for two or three months, a process called solarization.

When used with taller plants (such as tomatoes) in very warm climates, the plastic mulch may need to be covered with straw after the summer heat comes on, otherwise the soil can become too warm (but not as warm as soil solarization using clear ...

See also: Soil, Plant, Growing, Mulch, Flower