to solarize, or not...I'm torn

I'm torn on whether to solarize at all or not. In past years I've had such a bad root knot nematode infection in all 3 beds that I just figured I would put the beds under plastic for the summer, every year. But this year I started using some organic methods which prevented a lot of nematode damage.  In the 96 sq ft of gardening I only found two tomato plants that had damage in my nightshade bed, and a small hint of infection in my herb bed.  I'm growing Marigolds where the bad infection was, after mixing crab meal in the soil. Chitin in the crab shell goes after nematode eggs. And the biodiversity of compost tea helps too. 

If I solarize at all it would only be that nightshade need, and of course I will rotate my crops as I always do.  I'm leaning towards putting that one bed away for the summer because there's an added benefit of it breaking down the compost to soluble nutrients. When I replant everything springs into life so quickly.

 Thoughts?

Wow, only you can answer the question. You've got another month or so before you need to decide. If the organic methods are working, maybe just the affected areas plus a square's length out in case they migrate?

sanderson wrote:Wow, only you can answer the question.  You've got another month or so before you need to decide.  If the organic methods are working, maybe just the affected areas plus a square's length out in case they migrate?

Oh yes, the migration... the nematodologist professor at UF I spoke to, remarked that it's amazing how far they can migrate. I'm pretty sure most, if not all of the bed could be suspect. Although, I've created a very hostile environment for nematodes.  LOL

Hi DStack! Good to see you!!

I personally like the idea of at least solarizing one bed. That will help with the rotation too, even if it's just the planning.

But Sanderson's right: It's your decision... :-)

AtlantaMarie wrote:Hi DStack!  Good to see you!!

I personally like the idea of at least solarizing one bed.  That will help with the rotation too, even if it's just the planning.  

But Sanderson's right:  It's your decision...  :-)

You're so sweet! Thanks AtlantaMarie!

I'm trying to plan out my summer garden.  As for now I'll plan as if this bed will be solarized all summer. It's not the best time to grow many things here anyway. 

I struggle with transitioning from one season to the next. Solarization gives me a clean slate, and plenty of time to map out my plan.  I'm totally answering my own question as I ramble. 

dstack wrote:I struggle with transitioning from one season to the next. Solarization gives me a clean slate, and plenty of time to map out my plan.  I'm totally answering my own question as I ramble. 

Sometimes, all it takes is to say (write) it out loud. We all do that.

dstack wrote:I'm trying to plan out my summer garden.  As for now I'll plan as if this bed will be solarized all summer. It's not the best time to grow many things here anyway. 

I struggle with transitioning from one season to the next. Solarization gives me a clean slate, and plenty of time to map out my plan.  I'm totally answering my own question as I ramble. 

I am so impressed with anyone that plans their beds... me?  I'm an artist (need I say any more, lol!)  I just try to remember to put the plant sticks next to what I planted so I know what they are if and when they come up.   SaveSave

I guess I am very fortunate as I don't think I've ever encountered a nematode in all my years of gardening.

audrey.jeanne.roberts wrote:

dstack wrote:I'm trying to plan out my summer garden.  As for now I'll plan as if this bed will be solarized all summer. It's not the best time to grow many things here anyway. 

I struggle with transitioning from one season to the next. Solarization gives me a clean slate, and plenty of time to map out my plan.  I'm totally answering my own question as I ramble. 

I am so impressed with anyone that plans their beds... me?  I'm an artist (need I say any more, lol!)  I just try to remember to put the plant sticks next to what I planted so I know what they are if and when they come up.   SaveSave

I guess I am very fortunate as I don't think I've ever encountered a nematode in all my years of gardening.

I grew up in Southern California where I also enjoyed gardening, but never knew what nematodes were until I started gardening in South Florida. When my neighbor warned me I thought, "I won't have that problem. I've never had that problem." Never say never...Right?  I'm not saying California doesn't have this soil parasite.  It's just very common here. Before, in California, I wouldn't have recognized the damage if I had it.

dstack wrote:I'm trying to plan out my summer garden.  As for now I'll plan as if this bed will be solarized all summer. It's not the best time to grow many things here anyway. 

I struggle with transitioning from one season to the next. Solarization gives me a clean slate, and plenty of time to map out my plan.  I'm totally answering my own question as I ramble. 

LOL! Yes, you are... And I get it!

Sweet? Thank you!