Question

sod buster – posted 09 June 2001 04:11

I am about to plant Zenith Zoysia from seed in Atlanta today. I want to do an experiment as well. I would like to plant the seed and cover it with clear plastic to create a greenhouse effect until the seeds begin to germinate. At which point I will remove the plastic. I would like to do this to prevent erosion, save water, and speed germination. Do any of the experts know if this will work? Thank you in advance.

seed – posted 09 June 2001 06:20

sod buster, the main effect of the plastic sheet will to heat or solarize the ground. That might not be good in the summer in Atlanta. If you want to try it as an experiment, I would definitely not do the whole lawn, and I would pull up the sheet before the seed have emerged, probably some time between 1 and 2 weeks. They also make plastic that can breath with many fine holes

Which raises another point. For centuries people have also used various mulches such as straw chopped in to do the things you are asking. Maybe plastic is better? It should be interesting. Keep us posted!

Phil

Frank p – posted 09 June 2001 08:13

Sod buster, I would be very careful about clear plastic. I would recommend a product called onion cloth, or another product we use called agryl gro cloth. Both these products are permeable to all liquid and allow some breathing of the soil and plant/seed under them. I agree that 1-2 weeks is the ideal time to leave these products down. I am a greenkeeper with 17 years experience in Adelaide, South Australia and have used both products with great success. If I’m not mistaken, summer in Atlanta is pretty hot, so you should get good coverage without cloth or plastic. However your loss of seed to birds etc. will be minimal with the use of plastic or cloth.Good luck with your lawn.