Permanent Raised Bed Gardening: Plastic Mulch Application

Roll of mulch film mounted on stands for easy unrolling

Unroll the mulch film using one of the following methods:

Traveling roll – Place the roll of mulch at one end of the bed. Place a weight, such as a concrete block, on the free end of the roll to hold the film to the ground. Insert a pipe through the roll. Pick up the roll by the pipe "handles" and walk to the other end of the bed, unrolling the film as you go. This method requires two people.

Stationary roll – This method involves placing the pipe handles on portable stands at one end of the bed. Walk the loose end of the film to the opposite end, unrolling the film as you go. This method requires only one person (although two is preferred) and is easier on the back.

Wrap several times for extra strength.	Inserting lath behind pocket
Securing lath to bed wall	Stretch film for a tighter fit.
Attaching film to both sides of bed

Attach the free end of the film to the end of the bed using the lath pieces. Working with one piece of lath at a time, wrap the film around the lath, pull the top of the rubber pocket away from the bed and insert the lath behind the pocket. Releasing the pocket top should lock the lath in place. Secure the lath to the pocket using the preinstalled hex head screws.

Proceed to the other end of the bed. Cut the film from the roll, leaving an extra foot of film to work with. Repeat the fastening process on this end. As you roll the film around the lath, pull the film towards you to remove any slack. Don't overstretch the film because tearing could occur.

Using the same pocket and lath technique, attach film to both sides of the bed, stretching the film crossways to remove any slack prior to attaching.