Can I use landscaping fabric that is black for watermelons instead of black plastic mulch?

Question

the landscaping keeps weeds to a minimum and i would think that the black fabric would draw heat... yes?

Answer 1

Yes you can use black landscape fabric, although if you are concerned about heat, there are also gray and brown fabrics available.

There are many fabrics out there, just make sure you get one with enough weight.

Here are a few choices:

Woven Ground Cover - this is a heavy woven materil (Mostly Black) that the container growers use.

Non-Woven Needle Punched - this looks somewhat like felt, and is a good all around fabric, but here again generally comes in black.

Non-Woven spunbond or pointbond - this would be your best choice. It allows water to flow freely and comes in several colors. I would start with a minimum weight of 2ounces per sqyd.

Look on DeWitt's website for different material types.

You can get this at a professional landscape supply comany like John Deere Landscapes, or a good garden center that sells the name brand DeWitt. Links below.

Answer 2

I use green rubber mulch and it works a dream.

Answer 3

If you use the landscaping fabric you will need to cover it with mulch...it is not meant as a "top layer" like the plastic is. I have used it with a "mulch" of straw on top of it in my veggie garden and it's been great for weed control.  It is also permeable by water and so doesn't need drainage holes cut in it like the plastic does.  

Answer 4

I have used black landscape fabric for mulch for watermelons for the past 5 years in my market garden. It works very well. You will have to cut or burn holes in it where you want the melons to be before you lay it down. You also have to run drip irrigation underneath so things get water as the fabric does exclude about 50% of rain water.

I have never needed to put a layer of straw over top and have never had problems with too much heat (watermelons can take extreme heat, 110F is no problem for them).

I like the fact you can reuse the fabric at least 10 years (that's how old the oldest pieces are and they look like they have several more years left in them).

A puppy would shred/put holes in plastic mulch, fast. Fabric will hold up to all but the most vigorous digging