Making reflective mulch "permeable"

aclum · May 12, 2013

Hi,

There was some discussion on the grafting thread about using reflective mulch for insect control (around post #546 or so and a bit more recently), and as it was getting pretty off topic, I though I'd add a bit more on the subject here on a new thread.

I came across alot of interesting info from searching the web and from this thread in the diseases and pests forum discussing the reflective mulch a bit:

http://www.tomatoville.com/showthrea...e+mulch&page=2

I think, also, that in the process of trying to talk Naysen into using the reflective mulch to no avail, alas (in the grafting thread), I managed to talk myself into using it LOL!

The only thing holding me back was that I wanted a permeable mulch and couldn't find one on the web. Then reading on the web, I saw someone mention using a blow torch to make the planting holes in reflective mulch when it was already laid down in the field, and a lightbulb went off in my head. Why not use a soldering iron to burn little holes into regular reflective mulch?

I got the mulch material from Johnny's and tested a bit with the fine tip soldering iron to make sure it wouldn't burst into flames (it didn't). I cut the appropriate size for my beds from the roll, and folded each piece several times, so I had maybe 8-16 layers. Then I just used the soldering iron and poked little holes all over. Unfolded things, and Voila! permeable reflective silver mulch.

I hope it works as intended - to keep the soil cool and thwart some bad insects while encouraging good insects - while allowing the soil and creatures below to "breathe" and water, etc. to seep through. With all the holes, I don't expect it to be a weed block sort of mulch, but it should help a bit.

Maybe this is "old hat" to some, but it's new to me and thought it might be new to others who might be interested.

Anne

May 12, 2013	#1
aclum Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Merced, CA Posts: 832	Making reflective mulch "permeable" Hi, There was some discussion on the grafting thread about using reflective mulch for insect control (around post #546 or so and a bit more recently), and as it was getting pretty off topic, I though I'd add a bit more on the subject here on a new thread. I came across alot of interesting info from searching the web and from this thread in the diseases and pests forum discussing the reflective mulch a bit: http://www.tomatoville.com/showthrea...e+mulch&page=2 I think, also, that in the process of trying to talk Naysen into using the reflective mulch to no avail, alas (in the grafting thread), I managed to talk myself into using it LOL! The only thing holding me back was that I wanted a permeable mulch and couldn't find one on the web. Then reading on the web, I saw someone mention using a blow torch to make the planting holes in reflective mulch when it was already laid down in the field, and a lightbulb went off in my head. Why not use a soldering iron to burn little holes into regular reflective mulch? I got the mulch material from Johnny's and tested a bit with the fine tip soldering iron to make sure it wouldn't burst into flames (it didn't). I cut the appropriate size for my beds from the roll, and folded each piece several times, so I had maybe 8-16 layers. Then I just used the soldering iron and poked little holes all over. Unfolded things, and Voila! permeable reflective silver mulch. I hope it works as intended - to keep the soil cool and thwart some bad insects while encouraging good insects - while allowing the soil and creatures below to "breathe" and water, etc. to seep through. With all the holes, I don't expect it to be a weed block sort of mulch, but it should help a bit. Maybe this is "old hat" to some, but it's new to me and thought it might be new to others who might be interested. Anne