Black Mulch vs. Hoop House

Sunward33

Sunward33

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this site and have just planted my first pepper garden.
I've already put starts in the ground that I purchased from my local garden supply.
I know the soil is too cool for real success and I'm wondering what the consensus is on the best way to ensure a good crop.
I know I can get the soil up by putting down black plastic, but would the plants benefit from a clear hoop house over the bed?
Thanks for any help!
:thumbsup:
 
Sunward33 said:
 
I know the soil is too cool for real success and I'm wondering what the consensus is on the best way to ensure a good crop.
 
Thanks for any help!
:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
 
Dunno, nite time temps above 50......
 
Imgur4_zpsagmy8uqf.jpg
 
Hi Sunward! You're zone 9b, so it looks like midsummer high temperatures would be more of a problem for you down the road. You can get a jump on the season and plant outside much earlier by planting into black plastic mulch which uses the sun to passively heat the soil and make a warmer microclimate, but the midsummer heat would cause you a lot of flower drop if you left it in place without covering up the black plastic with some kind of mulch. A hoophouse or low row cover would hold in the heat generated by the black plastic mulch... again, a bonus in the early season but not such a good idea during the hot months unless well-ventilated.
 
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