Soil solarization is a pesticide-free way to control several of the plant pathogens, weeds, nematodes, and insects in garden soil. Solarization involves covering the soil with plastic to heat it up to temperatures (around 120-130F) that will reduce pests. Often several weeks are needed for solarization and the best results will be in hot summers in full sun locations. This publication provides information on the timing, techniques and potential benefits of solarization when used in the home garden.
Published by: University of Tennessee Extension
Date Published: 1998
Link to Resource: https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W363.pdf