Recent research, conducted by scientists at the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA and Clemson University, led to the development of red film mulch that stimulates the growth and yield of vegetables. Now the film is available to the home gardener. Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film was introduced in 2002 to help home gardeners increase their harvest of tomatoes, strawberries and other vegetables by up to 20 percent. In addition to increasing yields, Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film conserves water by slowing evaporation from the soil surface; helps control weeds and therefore helps reduce herbicide use; and prevents soil from splashing onto fruit.

Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film was developed from research demonstrating the effects of different light wavelengths on plants. Plants exposed to an increased amount of the "far red" spectrum of light, which is invisible to the human eye, grow taller and produce more fruit. That's because plants receiving an increased amount of "far red" light wavelengths interpret it to mean that they are in competition with other plants for sunlight. Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film, placed on the garden row under the vegetable plants, works by reflecting the "far red" light onto their leaves so plants put more efforts into above-ground growth instead of root growth.

According to a recent field study by the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA, in addition to increasing yields, red plastic mulch helps ward off root-eating nematodes. The scientists who conducted the study are unsure exactly how red plastic mulch affects the nematodes but think the increased above-ground growth of plants means less root growth and therefore less food for the nematodes.

Red mulch film may also aid seed germination and enhance early yields because it helps retain warmth in the soil and helps reduce water run-off losses, thus maintaining any soil fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides you wish to apply to your garden.

Available in a 4-foot by 50-foot roll size, Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film is easy to use. Complete your usual pre-planting soil preparation before applying the film; if drip or other irrigation hose is being used, it should be placed on the bed before Rapid Red is applied. Unroll Rapid Red onto the prepared soil, anchoring the beginning and the sides with soil, heavy objects such as stone or brick, or garden staples. Unroll the film in increments of approximately five feet, maintaining a reasonably taut, smooth surface as you proceed. Continue to cover the edges of the film with soil or heavy objects before moving on to the next increment.

Once Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film is placed, you're ready to plant. Cut holes approximately three inches in diameter in the center of the film and plant your seeds or seedlings (and if needed, stakes) through them. Space your plants so that reflected light can reach every side of the mature plant, and if possible, align your rows so the film can reflect a maximum amount of sunlight. Once your crop is planted, water as needed; Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film aids in moisture retention so be careful to avoid over-watering.

The cleaner the surface of Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film, the better its reflectivity and the better your plants will grow. The film's reflective capabilities can be maintained by periodically washing its surface with water from a garden hose and by not spraying chemicals directly on the plastic, as they may change the film's color.

For more information about Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film or any of the Fiberweb Family of Lawn and Garden Fabrics, including Typar® Premium Landscape Fabric, Typar® Professional Landscape Fabric, Reemay® Lawn and Garden Fabric and Typar® TreeCircle®, call 1-800-321-6271 or (615) 847-7000. The email address is landscape@fiberweb.com, and the fax number is (615) 847-7068.

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