Would you like to know  an alternative way to get rid of pesky weeds, pests and some diseases as well? 
The answer  is to solarize your soil.

Solarization is predominantly used in areas that have a lot of sunshine and high temperatures. However, it can be utilised in cooler climates too. The results may not be quite as effective, but it can do wonders in your battle against weeds.

What exactly is soil solarization?
It is a technique that uses no chemicals, but instead captures the sun’s radiant heat and energy which, in turn, causes physical, biological and chemical changes in the soil. These changes include the ability to control or eliminate soil borne plant pathogens including bacteria, fungi, pests, and nematodes along with weeds.

In order to solarize the soil in cooler areas, you need to cover it with a clear plastic sheet for approximately 4 to 6 weeks during a time of the year when the weather is very hot and when the soil will be able to receive maximum direct sunlight for long periods. The soil heats up to temperatures which are hot enough to kill some soil inhabiting pests including root rot fungi, wilt, noxious weed seed and root knot nematodes. Soil solarization also stimulates the release of nutrients from organic matter that is present in the soil. It is very effective in treating garden soils where you intend to plant herbs, vegetables and flowers.

Now that you know what soil solarization is, you may want to give it a try to your soil rather than using different chemicals to control weeds and other pesky little critters!

This entry was posted on Friday, June 27th, 2008 at 4:53 pm and is filed under soil preparation, Vegetable Gardening. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.