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
Hello Justin,
I am so pleased that a new generation of gardeners - well represented by you -- is taking the reins!  I tried to interest my own two boys in gardening, but failed.  Oh well. Now, to your question about clear vs. black plastic.  Although clear plastic is just fine -- and biodegrades faster than black plastic -- I tend towards recommending black plastic mainly because it provides better weed control, because it blocks out sunlight.  You might find that you need to lift the clear plastic periodically to apply any herbicide, fungicide, or whatever.  But it's just fine for the vine crops you're growing. The good news about plastic mulch is that it has been proven to improve yield, earlier harvests, and quality for tomatoes, melons and cucumbers.  In fact, clear plastic can result in harvests up to three weeks before no plastic at all, while black plastic speeds things up by 1-2 weeks.  You did not mention how you plan to water your vines; I recommend drip irrigation or soaker hoses, but anything combined with Mother Nature should do well.
Good luck and happy eating!