Question
Hello,

    I went out today and planted part of my garden. While I was out, I began setting up my plan for my watermelons, canteloupes, and cucumbers. I'm 23 and this is only my second year gardening. I found some heavy duty clear plastic and put is over the area for the vines I just talked about and then cut three holes in the plastic to make the mounds. I guess the biggest question that I have is that I want to know if using clear, heavy duty plastic will hurt the watermelons, canteloupes, or cucumbers. I read that black plastic is best but this is what I had so I went ahead and used it. I have is fastened down pretty good so any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
    Justin

Answer
Dear Justin,
As to the difference in plastics, the one big concern with clear is the reflection of the hot summer sun on the developing fruit.  Black absorbs, white reflects and clear may act like a window pane in the summer sun.  Another word of caution.  Make sure these three vines are not close enough to cross pollinate, because they will.  I wish you well in your gardening endeavor.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.thelandofgoshen.us