Fall is the best time to plant. So how do you exercise your green thumb until then? Now’s the perfect time to start prepping for that new splash of autumn garden color with a little sweltering help from the summer sun!
Solarization involves layering clear plastic over the grass to create a steaming greenhouse effect that will exhaust and kill the turf below it.
First, gather your supplies:
- Lawn paint or a hose to outline the project area.
- Solarizing tarp or a roll of transparent 4-6 mil plastic sheeting cut to the shape of the future landscape bed. (Don’t use black or white plastic; they won’t create enough heat.
- Bricks, rocks or lumber to weigh down the sheet.
- Lawnmower or string trimmer.
- Shovel.
Once you’ve outlined the bed area, scalp the turf grass all the way to the ground with a mower or string trimmer. When you’re ready to apply the plastic, soak the area with water first. This will help create the “greenhouse effect” that will cook any emerging shoots.
Now lay out the plastic as tight to the ground as possible, and carefully bury the edges to trap heat.
Secure the sheet with bricks, rocks or lumber.
Once installed, it will take 6-8 weeks of full sun to kill the existing grass and reset your soil for planting. The advantage of this method is it doesn’t require herbicides or much digging. But it does require a patient, dedicated gardener.
By the time the grass is dead, you’ll be ready to use your SAWS WaterSaver Coupons to get those fall plantings in your new bed!
Through Oct. 15, SAWS residential customers can apply for up to four $100 WaterSaver coupons at GardenStyleSA.com/coupons.
And visit GardenStyleSA.com/PlantByNumbers for free, ready-made landscape designs based on your specific landscape needs.
