Installation tips: Prepare soil well. It should be smooth and friable. Do not lay mulch on dry soil. Be sure the edges of the mulch are well secured with soil. Stretch plastic taut over the soil surface, whether on flat or raised bed.

Embossed, 3 feet x 2,400 feet, 0.7-mil high-density polyethylene, 36 lbs./roll

Embossed, 4 feet x 600 feet, 0.7-mil high-density polyethylene, 13 lbs./roll

Embossed, 4 feet x 2,400 feet, 0.7-mil high-density polyethylene, 48 lbs./roll

Olive is the latest development in plastic mulch technology. In a general sense, this new mulch is a "hybrid" between clear and black mulches. With clear mulch, all wavelengths of radiation (light) are transmitted through the mulch. The long wavelengths (infra-red radiation) are converted to heat under the clear film and provide the greatest amount of soil warming among all mulches. However, photo synthetic active radiation (PAR) also is transmitted and is responsible for the vigorous weed growth under clear mulch. Because black mulch blocks PAR, weeds do not grow underneath. Soil temperature under black is lower than under clear mulch because soil warming occurs as the black mulch absorbs solar radiation, and then conducts the heat into the soil.

This is where Olive is a win-win development for the growers. By utilizing a carefully balanced blend of polyethylene with a specific light modifying pigment, Olive transmits near infra-red radiation, and at the same time blocks PAR. Therefore, it simultaneously generates almost as much heat as clear mulch and suppresses weeds like black mulch. Advantages of Olive: Earlier and higher yields than black mulch. Soil warming of 8 to 10 degrees F.

Embossed 4 feet x 6,000 feet, 0.7-mil high-density polyethylene, 86 lbs./roll Embossed 4 feet x 600 feet, 0.7-mil high-density polyethylene, 8.6 lbs./roll

4 feet x 6,000 feet, 0.75-mil high-density polyethylene, 98 lbs./roll

4 feet x 600 feet, 0.75-mil high-density polyethylene, 10 lbs./roll

Silver Mulch Plastic offers an extra feature in addition to the many benefits of using plastic mulch. Silver Mulch provides control of many of the flying insects that transmit serious virus diseases on vegetable crops such as pepper, tomato, and summer squash. Tile mulch is made by overlaying a thin layer of silver plastic on black plastic mulch. As selected wavelengths of light are reflected from the silver surface, flying insects, for example aphids and whiteflies are repelled from landing on the plants. Therefore the insects do not feed on the plants and spread deadly crop viruses. Springtime soil temperature under Silver Mulch is generally one to three degrees lower than under black plastic mulch. In northern states, early crop production might be slightly delayed.

4 feet x 3,000 feet, 1-mil high-density polyethylene, 65 lbs./roll

4 feet x 600 feet, 1-mil high-density polyethylene, 13 lbs./roll

Red Mulch Plastic: Red plastic mulch is a recent innovation in an effort to maximize reflected light on plant growth. Red has

been found to enhance the growth and yield of several vegetable crops, including tomato. The red color of the mulch changes the

intensity of certain wavelengths of light that in turn has an impact in plant growth and subsequent yields. Tomato yields have been as much as 20% higher with Red Mulch Plastic than with black. Results, however, will vary from year to year. The red mulch reflects intensified red light to the developing plants, which increases their photo synthetic capacity. There is more reflectivity early in the season when more of the mulch is exposed to light.

4 feet x 1,500 feet, 85 lbs./ roll 4 feet x 100 feet, 6 lbs., roll 2 feet x 50 feet, 2 lbs./roll

Planters Paper Mulch is biodegradable, an alternative to plastic mulch because of concerns about the environment and the

labor requirement for field removal. It comprises most of the benefits of black film. Although it does not have the stretchability

of plastic, it is creped for flexibility to hug the soil and provide strength for manual or mechanical installation. It does not have to be removed from the field at the end of the season. It contains no harmful ingredients and leaves no harmful residues in the soil. However, the paper has a tendency to prematurely degrade along the edges where it is secured with a layer of soil. Due to expansion when wet and shrinkage when dry, the paper tends to tear along the edges at the soil line. Then the paper is subjected to lifting by wind. Therefore, additional soil should be added periodically to the edges to secure the paper. Do riot walk on paper. When making holes in paper to set plants, a quick sharp jab reduces tearing. Also when paper is in contact with a firm, flat soil surface, there is less risk of tearing at planting.

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