The SE is down right now - it finds 'no results' on everything right now. But should be back up shortly as it usually isn't down for tooooo long. ;)

Yes, there have been numerous discussions on the red plastic mulches that you can likely find eventually. As I recall them, most who tried it felt it was, at best, only a marginal improvement if any but generally not worth the money.

If I am recalling incorrectly I'm sure someone will come along to correct me. ;)

Dave

Can you tell I'm new around here?

That's what I figured about the red mulch. We'll see how my first attempt at a veggie garden goes!

A similiar question the wood red mulch (not real redwood)is that stuff treated or dyed with something to impede plant growth?

I think it was developed for commercial operations. I tried it last year and as soon as the plant grows you cant see the red mulch for all the foliage. An idea much better in theory than practicality from my experience.

Will not use again this year.

Don

I think it was developed for commercial operations

*****

Correct. It was developed by Clemson to be used by commercial farmers growing determinate varieties. YOu have to have lots of room around the plants for reflection.

Initial data suggested a 15-20% increase in yield but that's been revised down to naybe about a 10% increase. So if a plant gives 20 fruits you get maybe 2 more and while that may be a help to the large commercial farmer with hundreds of acres of tomatoes it isn't that helpful for the home grower, especially when you factor in the high cost of the plastic, as Dave mentioned above.

Carolyn