[beansticks]

Has anyone tried growing brassicas through black polythene,i have acquired a roll 4mtsx25mts,and i am tempted to try using this next year and making holes in it and planting my cabbages etc in the hole spaces.The aim is to attempt to reduce the amount of weeding required under debris netting.I would expect there to be an increased slug problem,can anyone foresee other problems.

[Aunt Sally]

You'd need to make holes in it to allow water through.

[beansticks]

Good point Aunty

[aelf]

might the covering provide a warm, moist, dark place for fungus and bacteria to grow? Would also worry about getting enough water to the brassica roots.

[poppies]

Hi we tried this at first as our plot was used for cattle for years and was full of  perennial weeds, but to be honest it did'nt work that well,  it was awkward to plant through, the weeds came up through the planting holes and were hard to get out without dislodging the plants, unless you can get it completely flat rainwater stands in puddles on it , and as already said the slug problem was bad

better off just hoeing regularly

[beansticks]

Thanks all,its a no-no then.