Tin Foil

[pauladkins]

I am CA & we are running low on water. I was thinking about using foil to cover the base of the plant to slow water loss. Also the foil would reflect more light on the plant. Any thoughts?

[jmsieglaff]

I don't think it would hurt anything, but a thick layer of light colored mulch (e.g., straw) would probably hold more moisture in the soil and keep the soil cooler than the foil and it would still reflect a fair amount of sunlight.

[pauladkins]

I don't use mulch because I mix in fertilize in the top soil every few weeks. What about cardboard?

[jmsieglaff]

I don't know how many plants you have, which makes the feasibility of some solutions more practical than others. If you have at least 12 plants, maybe do a little experiment, 1/3 foil, 1/3 cardboard, and 1/3 mulch (the foil and cardboard would need to be anchored somehow). With the mulch you can pull it back around plants and scratch fertilizer into the soil if it is a solid type. If it is water soluble then you could water right into the mulch. Watering in straw works well for me to keep it from blowing away.

If I had to chose I think I would use cardboard before I used foil (admittedly I haven't used either). At least corrugated cardboard has some layers of air in between the paper layers, which I think would help do a better job of conserving moisture. Others that have used plastic might be able to comment about that possibility.

[Father'sDaughter]

I would be concerned about the reflected sunlight off the foil scorching the plant.

[Stvrob]

Originally Posted by jmsieglaff

I don't know how many plants you have, which makes the feasibility of some solutions more practical than others. If you have at least 12 plants, maybe do a little experiment, 1/3 foil, 1/3 cardboard, and 1/3 mulch (the foil and cardboard would need to be anchored somehow). With the mulch you can pull it back around plants and scratch fertilizer into the soil if it is a solid type. If it is water soluble then you could water right into the mulch. Watering in straw works well for me to keep it from blowing away.

If I had to chose I think I would use cardboard before I used foil (admittedly I haven't used either). At least corrugated cardboard has some layers of air in between the paper layers, which I think would help do a better job of conserving moisture. Others that have used plastic might be able to comment about that possibility.

I recycle large amounts of cardboard as mulch. Cover it with a layer of leaves to keep it moist.

[Stvrob]

Originally Posted by pauladkins

I don't use mulch because I mix in fertilize in the top soil every few weeks. What about cardboard?

Ive never heard this as a reason not to mulch a plant. Most mulches are more permeable to nutrients than tin foil.

[Starlight]

My thought on using the foil is that I wouldn't do it. In early spring, when temps are real cool and pests are just emerging, than the use of foil for a little bit is a good idea as it will warm the plants and also confuse the pests, which is mainly when it is used.

I agree with Farmer's Daughter. Using foil now, is going to heat up and I would be worried about sun scorch and over heating the plants.

I would go with the suggestions on using the cardboard too. It does stay wet a lot longer. Worms love to get under cardboard as it stays so moist.

What is wrong with using a mulch and using ferts in a liquid form or taking the dry ones you have and liquifying them?

Even if you side dress dry ferts on top of the soil, when you water in they will work their way down through the mulches.

In about a week or so we will be under water restrictions too and fines for breaking them, so I can feel for you not having enough water for your plants. I hope you get some good rain for awhile out your way.

Are your plants in containers or the ground and about how many? The folks here at TV are some very innovative folks and might be able to help you come up with some ideas on water preservation for your plants.

[pauladkins]

I have over 50 plants in the ground right now. I use an organic granule fertilizer, so removing mulch would be timely. I think I will try the cardboard & experiment. I appreciate the advice.

[Stvrob]

Originally Posted by pauladkins

I have over 50 plants in the ground right now. I use an organic granule fertilizer, so removing mulch would be timely. I think I will try the cardboard & experiment. I appreciate the advice.

Why dont you put the fertilizer down first? Then add the mulch?

[Jeanus]

I tried foil years and years ago in Mn in the spring to help warm things up (according to advice) and it burned every plant. I would say no to the foil.