In article , C
writes:

I am planning my strawberry garden for this spring. Would straw be a
viable
alternative to woven plastic matting for weed control? Would there be any
disadvantage to using straw? Also, what are some other organic mulches
that
can be safely tilled under?

Thanks
David B


Straw is excellent and what many commercial growers use in our area. I
might be tempted to try red plastic for mulching. It worked well with
tomatoes and supposedly promotes fruit production. Stay away from hay
since hay has too many seeds in it.



I just read a little about that . Strawberries grown with red plastic mulch,
smelled better, tasted sweeter, and yielded more fruit than with black plastic.
USDA in South Carolina report. (Pacific Horticulture /January)
Emilie