March 29, 2007

Rapid Red Garden Mulch Helps Increase Vegetable Yields As Much As 20 Percent

Rapid Red Garden Mulch celebrates fifth anniversary

Rapid Red Garden Mulch was introduced in 2002, and consumers took an immediate liking to the bright red film that meant they could grow more vegetables in the same space. The technology behind it was developed through research conducted by scientists at Clemson University and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the USDA. Rapid Red Garden Mulch helps increase the harvest of tomatoes, strawberries and other above-ground-fruiting vegetables by up to 20 percent.

Research demonstrating the effects of different light wavelengths on plants led to the development of Rapid Red Garden Mulch. 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, when they receive more of the “far red” light wavelengths, plants interpret it to mean they are in competition with other plants for sunlight. Rapid Red, placed on a garden row under the vegetable plants, works by reflecting the “far red” light onto their leaves so plants increase above-ground growth rather than root growth. Plant roots are slightly smaller and less numerous, but there are still enough of them to support the plant.

Rapid Red Garden Mulch offers more benefits than simply increased yield. It conserves water by slowing evaporation from the soil surface, helps control weeds and therefore helps reduce herbicide use, and keeps soil from splashing onto fruit. Red mulch film may also aid seed germination and enhance early yields because it retains 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.

In addition, according to a field study by the ARS, 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 available for the nematodes.

Available in a 4-foot by 50-foot roll size, Rapid Red Garden Mulch is easy to use. Complete your usual pre-planting soil preparation before applying the film; if drip or other irrigation 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 end and the sides with soil, heavy objects (such as stone or brick), or garden staples. Unroll the film in increments of approximately 5 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 is placed, you’re ready to plant. Cut holes approximately 3 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 aids in moisture retention so be careful to avoid over-watering.

The cleaner the surface of Rapid Red Garden Mulch, 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 or any of the Fiberweb™ Family of Lawn and Garden Fabrics, including Reemay® Lawn and Garden Blanket, Typar® TreeCircle®, Rapid Red Garden Mulch and Typar® Premium Landscape Fabric, please visit www.TyparLandscape.com.