Solarisation of the ground

[andrewsloan]

As I live in Spain and summer is just starting, I am considering covering the area I want to clear of Bermuda grass (deep roots) with a clear plastic sheet and create an oven effect under it by putting bricks at places to keep the plastic off the ground and seal the sheet with earth on all sides. I have heard that it is very effective in hot conditions. Any thoughts ?

[charles]

 Not sure about this Andrew, it sounds a bit hot for soil life. I think such methods are used to kill soil parasites after intensive growing. Normal mulching with black plastic should finish off the grass and will become warm for sure.

[andrewsloan]

I have put an area of my vegetable garden under black plastic, cardboard and compost as you recommend. I did this at the end of February and I wonder how long I should leave it as it is now 30C in the shade here. It has been under the sheet for 4 mths.
I shall try the solarisation idea on a very small area as an experiment.

[charles]

 The heat sounds nice as we are in a damp summer… and I think your ground should be ready to plant. 

[andrewsloan]

I have taken the black plastic and cardboard off the area and it looks good. I have an area of 4 metres by 15 metres and plan to put a path area imbetween before I start planting. We are also going to an organic market in the meantime and plan to keep seeds from tasty vegetables to plant out in the future. Your website is inspirational. Gracias!

[Author]

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