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
Hi Justin, Black is the choice because it blocks out light and any weeds that come up from seed or roots will die.  They can grow under clear plastic and compete with your crops.  However, vine crops do best on open ground and root wherever they touch the ground.  Plastic prevents that.  They will still grow, but your production is likely to decrease with plastic. Also, plastic gets very hot, so make sure your fruit is resting on straw or pine needles to prevent damage.  Jim