Plasticulture

[tomildinio]

Now that pumpkins 2021 are over, looking at 2022. Anyone use black plastic mulch and transplant into it? I think it would be a real help with weed control. Any pros or cons.
Does it need drip tape?
Do I need a bed former rather then a power harrow?

Thanks

To

 

[Oldmacdonald]

You need one of these:

Edwards Farm Machinery - Ploylayer

www.edwardsfarmmachinery.com

And one of these

Sutton Ag - Checchi & Magli Wolf Transplanter

Checchi & Magli Wolf transplanter from Sutton Ag - your source for precision farm equipment and bird control devices since 1956.

www.suttonag.com

 

[tomildinio]

I can get film, and have a way of laying it. And spoke to Mr Edwards about his machine. Just wondering now, before I dive in, is it any use??

 

[Fruitbat]

I’ve used Biotello biodegradable mulch with T-Tape laid underneath using an old MJF Machiney poly layer. Get it set up nicely and there are no issues, just bury the ends well before you pull away. Biotello isn’t cheap, but then neither is ripping the film up and disposing of it.

 

[tomildinio]

Is t tape a necessity

 

[Fruitbat]

Is t tape a necessity

Depends on your land. Easier to put it in when laying the plastic than faff about with over the top irrigation. You can feed if necessary too, but tape keeps the canopy drier which should help with powdery mildew, as well as the inter row strips.

 

[Bogweevil]

I’ve used Biotello biodegradable mulch with T-Tape laid underneath using an old MJF Machiney poly layer. Get it set up nicely and there are no issues, just bury the ends well before you pull away. Biotello isn’t cheap, but then neither is ripping the film up and disposing of it.

Magic stuff that biodegradable film.

 

[tomildinio]

I'm not set up for tape at all. Land be heavy enough. Pumpkins never really needed any water only once. Mulch man says it will keep weeds away but not warm soil

 

[Fruitbat]

If there’s good contact between film and soil, the land will warm up. Goes back to getting your layer set right.

 

[Veryfruity]

How does the bintello film behave in the wind?

 

[tomildinio]

Was going getting samco

 

[Bogweevil]

How do

How does the bintello film behave in the wind?

It is more fragile than polythene, but generally biodegradable film will hold together well until foliage meets in the rows, that's all you need

 

[Fruitbat]

How does the bintello film behave in the wind?

Bury sides and ends properly it’s no different that normal plastic. Once you’ve got holes in it for planting, it’s less likely to get sucked up like an aircraft wing, but you run the risk of wind getting in like any other sheet.

 

[Devil's advocate]

Apart from weeds, why do you need plastic for pumpkins?

I use wondermesh for swedes to keep cabbage root fly out & use the 5 year plus nets sometimes to keep vermin & wind off brassica transplants.

 

[jessop123]

you'll be surprised how much water goes in the holes where the plants sit, and moisture retained very well. I don't see the need for T tape. also don't lay plastic on windy days and keep it pinned down until it's had water over it

 

[tomildinio]

Apart from weeds, why do you need plastic for pumpkins?

I use wondermesh for swedes to keep cabbage root fly out & use the 5 year plus nets sometimes to keep vermin & wind off brassica transplants.

It would just be for weeds. Herbicodes just not working.

 

[tomildinio]

Good to hear t tape not necessary! Thanks

 

[tomildinio]

I have another question. Was going to lay the mulch with my samco maize sower. It will do 2 rolls of mulch at the same time. However, the tractor wheels run in the middle of the rows pretty much. So my current concern is the ability of the the transplanter to poke into the ground after having the tractor drive on it. Anyone any experience with a cup transplanter? Thanks

 

[Devil's advocate]

It would just be for weeds. Herbicodes just not working.

How about spending the money on a better hoe or inter row sprayer (more effective pre em & or use of roundup between rows. I treat 10 acres of brassica inter row/plant with a knap sack & sheild easier than all this plastic?

 

[tomildinio]

I have spent a few quid on inter row weeding and spraying and it doesnt work great. After much thought and research, I like the plastic option. Its fully biodegradeable and will lead to cleaner fruit, extra bit of warmth and weeds too.
Just trying to get it done as reasonably as i can!