How to Use Plastic Under Tomatoes

Using plastic for a mulch under tomatoes increases the soil temperature, retains moisture, and prevents weeds. Choices in plastic range from clear to black and red versions. Although clear plastic is reported to work best in promoting soil warmth, its major drawback is that it also encourages weed growth under the plastic. Standard black plastic increases yields, but red plastic is reported to increase yield by up to 20 percent and to improve flavor.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic mulch (black, clear or red)
• Stakes to anchor plastic
• Tomato plants

1. Choose the type of plastic you wish to use in your garden. Clear plastic will warm the soil and allow you to plant your tomatoes earlier and may increase yield. Nevertheless, clear plastic will not suppress weeds and you will need to deal with a mass of weeds growing under the plastic. Standard black plastic is readily available in any hardware store and comes in a handy roll that makes laying the plastic quick and easy. Red plastic is reported to make a dramatic increase in plant yield, but is more expensive.

2. Cover the growing area with plastic of your choice one or two weeks prior to planting and anchor well with stakes. You can anchor plastic with large rocks along the edges and a few around plants. Bare in mind that when the wind lifts the edge of plastic it can easily destroy any plant in its way. Scattering small rocks or even a small mound of soil at intervals will help to anchor the plastic.

3. Cut an X in the spot you wish to plant your seedlings. This should be large enough to allow you to set the seedling into the soil.

4. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. Add organic matter and mix well. Add one quart of tepid water and allow it to drain into the soil. Plant your tomato seedling and firm down with your hands. Fold the flap under to leave a small area of bare soil around each plant.

5. Puncture small holes throughout the plastic to allow water to drain when it rains. Some plastics come prepunctured with tiny holes for this purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep plants evenly moist during the growing season.
• Lay the plastic one or two weeks prior to planting to allow the soil to warm adequately.