Am I wrong to think that plastic mulch is an abomination? People I know have reported such success with it and I can't imagine it being appropriate for an organic garden. Besides, we spend too much time removing garbage left behind from litterbugs to justify spending money on what will eventually become permanant trash!

I am suprised to learn that someone has actually reported success with plastic mulch. Have you seen the results yourself? The soil can not possibly be in good health as it would be if using cedar or hardwood mulch--or any natural mulch for that matter. Consider the chemicals which may leach from the plastic mulch. Also, would this not be similar to a layer of plastic over the soil?

The comment you make about a waste of money and permanent trash is right on target.

See RoyBoy's 2nd post: http://www.dirtdoctor.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=837&highlight=weed+blocker

Well, I meant that plastic layer over the soil. The people that have reported success are not necessarily organic gardeners. You know, someone told me about red plastic for tomatoes, about black mulch for weed control. One coworker covered her entire vegetable gardens and has raved to me about how fast and lush everything is growing. She speaks with such enthusiam, it is almost tempting...but..I just can't! I garden at a community garden and have seem some mixed results with people using it there. It certainly seems to help with weeds. In Texas I'd think it would burn roots. I did see a whole batch of strawberries look great in the early spring and then die when the heat rose. My strawberries...with shreaded hardwood still look great! I am amazed that the community garden forbid treated lumber and persticides but plastic is OK.

You seem to have proven the answer to your question.