How to Treat Soil With Solarization
Decide when to do it., Select the area you want to "clean"., Cultivate the soil., Use a rake or the tip of the garden spade to smooth over the soil., Water deeply., Stretch a sheet of thin, clear plastic over the groomed soil., Leave on the soil for...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Decide when to do it.
It's best done midsummer or late summer, to ensure that you get the most sunny weeks and the heat. -
Step 2: Select the area you want to "clean".
Perhaps an area of the garden after a crop has been finished.
Since this takes an area of the garden out of production, consider rotating this method around the garden. , Use a garden spade and work the soil until it has a fine texture.
Break up any clods. , Make sure it is as smooth as you can get it. , Water so that the soil becomes moist down as far as possible but don't saturate it. , It must touch the soil completely (hence the reason for smoothing it well).
Hold the plastic down with soil.
Rocks can also be used.
Just be sure it's attached firmly. , If it's some sun and some rain or overcast weather, leave it longer, about 6 to 8 weeks.Temperatures under the plastic on a hot day will be hot enough to kill any nematodes, bacteria, cutworm and less resilient weed seed, about 50ºC to 60ºC. , Use a thermometer to check the soil temperatures.
After several weeks in a row of the same high temperature being recorded, the plastic sheet can be removed and the soil will be sterilized. , Don't disturb the soil other than to plant in.
Do not dig in manure or compost.
If fertilizer is needed, simply leave the manure on the surface and let the rainwater it in. -
Step 3: Cultivate the soil.
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Step 4: Use a rake or the tip of the garden spade to smooth over the soil.
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Step 5: Water deeply.
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Step 6: Stretch a sheet of thin
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Step 7: clear plastic over the groomed soil.
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Step 8: Leave on the soil for a month (4 weeks) if it's sunny.
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Step 9: Remove the plastic.
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Step 10: Plant the next crop with healthy
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Step 11: disease-free plants.
Detailed Guide
It's best done midsummer or late summer, to ensure that you get the most sunny weeks and the heat.
Perhaps an area of the garden after a crop has been finished.
Since this takes an area of the garden out of production, consider rotating this method around the garden. , Use a garden spade and work the soil until it has a fine texture.
Break up any clods. , Make sure it is as smooth as you can get it. , Water so that the soil becomes moist down as far as possible but don't saturate it. , It must touch the soil completely (hence the reason for smoothing it well).
Hold the plastic down with soil.
Rocks can also be used.
Just be sure it's attached firmly. , If it's some sun and some rain or overcast weather, leave it longer, about 6 to 8 weeks.Temperatures under the plastic on a hot day will be hot enough to kill any nematodes, bacteria, cutworm and less resilient weed seed, about 50ºC to 60ºC. , Use a thermometer to check the soil temperatures.
After several weeks in a row of the same high temperature being recorded, the plastic sheet can be removed and the soil will be sterilized. , Don't disturb the soil other than to plant in.
Do not dig in manure or compost.
If fertilizer is needed, simply leave the manure on the surface and let the rainwater it in.
About the Author
Brittany Reynolds
Creates helpful guides on cooking to inspire and educate readers.
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