On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:28:22 +0000, Derek Turner wrote:

On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:19:26 +0000, David.WE.Roberts wrote:

So is it O.K. to cover waterlogged ground with plastic (assuming it
will stay there in all these winds) or is it likely to do more harm
than good.

Should be fine provided the soil is reasonably well-drained. You need to
think about where the water that runs off the plastic is going to go
though! Lots or rain still to come before planting/sowing time, I guess.
Old carpet might be better as it is heavier (less likely to blow away)
and water-permeable. Carpet firms are usually delighted to let you take
it as they have to pay to dispose of it.

Very strong warnings against old carpet because of the chemicals which
leach out into the soil.

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/...?topic=75757.0

is one example of the discussion.

I think that you would have to leave a space between each run of plastic
for the water to run onto.

However if you cultivate in strips then this is not too big a problem.

Cheers

Dave R