solarization or occulation - Ask Extension
Hello. We live in the Twin Cities. Looking at eliminating invasives off our hillside (and then seed and plant natives).
When is the best time to do...
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solarization or occulation #864680
Asked April 15, 2024, 9:31 PM EDT
Hello. We live in the Twin Cities. Looking at eliminating invasives off our hillside (and then seed and plant natives).
When is the best time to do the solarization or occulation? Which is the better option?
What should we do to "treat" the area as we gather information?
Thank you for all you do!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing. Given the season and this year's climate (warm) use solarization with staked or weighted down CLEAR, not black, plastic tarps about two microns. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/solarization-occultation
These can be reused or recycled. They should stay in place about six weeks.
Then put down 4 inches of arborist would chips to finish the job. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/wood-chips.pdf
You can plant through the chips.
These can be reused or recycled. They should stay in place about six weeks.
Then put down 4 inches of arborist would chips to finish the job. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/wood-chips.pdf
You can plant through the chips.
Thank you for the very fast reply. This is great.
I don't understand what the 2 microns is...please help me understand.
Also, can wildflower seeds be planted thru the wood chips?
Thank you! :)
Aaron
Thank you for writing back.
The place to get cheap plastic sheets for solarization is in the paint section of a hardware store. Microns refers to the thickness of the sheets. .8 micon is too thin. 2 is about right. 3 microns will work but is more than you need. These drop clothes should be recyclable.
Scatter the seeds over the soil after the plastic is removed. They apply the mulch. Consider naturalizing bulb sets of large blooms like daffodils but also of smaller bulbs like snowglories, crocuses, etc, Naturalizing means that they will spread through the property--very beautiful. https://hennepinmastergardeners.org/plant-those-fall-bulbs-now/
The place to get cheap plastic sheets for solarization is in the paint section of a hardware store. Microns refers to the thickness of the sheets. .8 micon is too thin. 2 is about right. 3 microns will work but is more than you need. These drop clothes should be recyclable.
Scatter the seeds over the soil after the plastic is removed. They apply the mulch. Consider naturalizing bulb sets of large blooms like daffodils but also of smaller bulbs like snowglories, crocuses, etc, Naturalizing means that they will spread through the property--very beautiful. https://hennepinmastergardeners.org/plant-those-fall-bulbs-now/
Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank.
This is great info.
Should I look for micron thickness or mm thickness?
I apologize. The thickness of paint tarps is given in mils. Use 1 mil thick paint tarps.
LOL. Thank you!!!! You have been tremendously helpful.
Hello.
I put down the clear plastic sheeting. I'm worried that the wind will tear holes in it.
I've read that putting some duct tape on the holes works. But what about other holes that cannot be reached?
The best way to secure it is stones as big as grapefruit esp on the west side.
Some people buy those little bundles of firewood and put those around the edge. Small holes do not matter. Also you can weight in the center in a six foot grid.
Some people buy those little bundles of firewood and put those around the edge. Small holes do not matter. Also you can weight in the center in a six foot grid.
Thank you so very much for your continued help.
Aaron
