dark or light mulch in diy earthbox?

[creister]

I live a warmer region of the country. I have seen all of the do it yourself earthbox with black mulch. Do any of you who live in warmer areas ever consider using white plastic as mulch so the plants roots don't get overheated? This is my first attempt to use selfwatering containers.

[RDUN]

Last year I used the red plastic mulch. It seemed to be fine, but this year I am planning on using the white on black mulch for the exact reason you mentioned.

The following link has white, black, silver, and red.

http://www.superseeds.com/products.php?cat=19

The information on this link indicates that both the silver and the white will help keep the soil temperatures cooler and help reflect light to the plants, although in a container, there isn't much surface area to reflect light.

[bydsign]

I used the black plastic for my Fall/Winter self-watering
containers.

I live in South Florida so I plan to use white plastic during
the Spring/Summer season.

[amideutch]

Check the following thread, interesting stuff. Ami
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=2883
Pie tin in particular.

[bydsign]

Interesting...


I'll have to try some of those pie tins. 'Cuz I sure won't
be baking no pies!

[gardenscout]

Hey, that pie tin link is dead. Does anyone remember what it said there?

[amideutch]

Gardenscout, I updated the pie pan link. Evidently when Tville got it's new facelift the links changed. This is the second one I have had to change. Ami

[gardenscout]

Thanks very much for fixing up the link. I have noticed quite a few that are dead as I read past threads.

If anyone is still reading this thread, I am wondering if those emergency blankets (shiny silver mylar-type stuff) would be good, maybe with a layer of black underneath to cut out light.

I like the idea of reflecting light back up, especially early in the season.

[amideutch]

Gardenscout, Check out this thread also. Ami
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=3992