1. Warms the soil for earlier planting
Once the soil has softened in spring, cover it with black plastic to increase soil temperature and allow for earlier planting.
The plastic absorbs the sun's thermal energy and warms the ground by up to five degrees Fahrenheit.
When temperatures are cool in spring, it may mean that seeds and plants can be planted up to three weeks earlier if the plastic helps raise the soil temperature to between 65 and 75 degrees F.
2. Accelerates seed germination
Warmer soil temperatures and moisture trapped under the black plastic can significantly accelerate seed germination.
Seeds require optimal temperatures and high humidity to promote the production of hormones and enzymatic activity necessary for germination.
Often, high temperatures associated with good germination cause soil moisture to evaporate and slow down germination.
Using black plastic mulch to cover the soil increases soil temperature and maintains high moisture levels, which accelerates germination.
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