Mulches are plastic rolls that usually come in Black or silver-grey color. It helps to control weeds, prevent disease, conserve moisture, maintain consistent soil temperatures, enrich the soil and make the garden look good. And, a well-mulched garden can produce more vegetables than an un-mulched garden due to its ability to reduce foliage and disease. Black plastic landscape tarp (AKA polyethylene film) warms the soil and provides excellent weed control. Just spread it tightly over your soil one to three weeks before planting or transplanting, and then cut holes in it when the time comes to spread seeds or dig holes. Heat-loving vegetables (like melons, peppers, tomatoes, and okra) thrive with black plastic:
Studies show that they mature earlier with higher yields when black plastic is used as a mulch. Black plastic can warm soil temperatures by as much as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The downside? Black plastic breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight. You’ll need to bury black plastic under a layer of another mulch (like pine needles) to make it last for multiple growing seasons.It’s vital to punch holes in black plastic. Otherwise, oxygen, water, and nutrients cannot penetrate to reach the soil, which results in poor plant growth.