red plastic mulch

[ckw346]

Has anyone used red plastic mulch? I have been using black plastic mulch but decided to try a roll of red plastic. planting tomato plants and weeds are growing under the plastic and raising the plastic up. anyone have any experance with red plastic.

[Rockandrollin]

It seems to work fine, but like you said, it lets too much light in and the weeds grow under it.

Also the birds think its a huge red ripe tomato and peck at it.

After 4 years, when I use it all up, I'll probably just use the dark green that I use on my melons. Kinda hate to give up the red color as I've had some big plants with it, but maybe it won't matter what color the mulch is.

[Labradors2]

I bought some red plastic in the fall because it was on sale and because I cannot find a source of thick black plastic around here. I was surprised that it was as thick as it was, and it seemed fine at the beginning, but now after a month, I can see some clover growing underneath and raising it up. Since I have another packet to use next year, I will lay newspaper down first to take care of the weeds.

Linda

[carolyn137]

I strongly suggest that you read this post,fromTomatoville

http://206.214.211.133/~tomatovl/sho...7831&styleid=4

Yes,I was at the conference where it was introduced, as I wrote in the above and it turned out NOT to be a great idea as I also explained.Same for the other colored plastic mulches as well.

Carolyn

[Labradors2]

I wouldn't say it's a bad idea. I had read that there's no advantage to using red vs black, but I just wanted a mulch to keep the moisture in and to warm the soil.

Linda