DECONTAMINATING SOIL WITH SOLARIZATION

Soil contaminated with fungi, diseases, insects and weeds cause lots of heartaches for gardeners everywhere. Using the sun to 'bake' the soil is a non chemical, organic approach to kill soil nasties. Just till or dig the bed, rake level, water, level again ensuring a smooth surface. Place a sheet of clear plastic overtop and secure with pegs or soil from another non-contaminated bed. This is best done in the summer to heat the soil adequately. Keep them soil covered for at least 6 weeks.

Remove the plastic and add some goodies to replenish the soil since solarization kills practically everything. Add a few inches of compost, triple mix, SeaSoil and/or composted manure to replenish what was lost. Mix it in to the top 6 inches and water. Wait a few days to a week to plant. ​