Which side of weed block should face up?

DoubleJ · January 20, 2009

I have the best weed block around. At work, we cover large bundles of lumber with waterproof tarp-like material. I have one cut into 18" wide strips and plan to tack it down over the walking paths of my tomato beds. The question I have is, one side is black and the other is white. What side should face up? The black will warm the soil a bit but, it's just the foot path. The white may reflect some sunlight onto the plants but, will cool the soil under it. What to do?

Ruth_10 · February 23, 2009

I would put the black side up. Where you are located blinding heat isn't a problem. Besides, white side up will look nasty after being out for a while (i.e. dirty, muddy, etc).

**Mischka** · February 24, 2009

Please also be aware that many lumber wrapping materials are often impregnated with chemical agents to retard mold and mildew.

Food for thought, especially if you grow organically.

January 20, 2009	#1
DoubleJ Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 127	Which side of weed block should face up? I have the best weed block around. At work, we cover large bundles of lumber with waterproof tarp-like material. I have one cut into 18" wide strips and plan to tack it down over the walking paths of my tomato beds. The question I have is, one side is black and the other is white. What side should face up? The black will warm the soil a bit but, it's just the foot path. The white may reflect some sunlight onto the plants but, will cool the soil under it. What to do?

February 23, 2009	#2
Ruth_10 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MO z6a near St. Louis Posts: 1,349	I would put the black side up. Where you are located blinding heat isn't a problem. Besides, white side up will look nasty after being out for a while (i.e. dirty, muddy, etc). __________________ --Ruth Some say the glass half-full. Others say the glass is half-empty. To an engineer, it’s twice as big as it needs to be.

February 24, 2009	#3
Mischka Tomatoville® Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Bay State Posts: 3,207	Please also be aware that many lumber wrapping materials are often impregnated with chemical agents to retard mold and mildew. Food for thought, especially if you grow organically. __________________ Mischka One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.