How to Mulch Squash

Remove any weeds that are present in the area prior to laying the plastic. Moisten the soil with a light sprinkle of water. Do not wet the soil too much, as then it will get compacted as you walk over it to lay the plastic.

Lay black plastic mulch between the rows of squash planting. You can also cover the entire planting area with the plastic. You can buy the mulch in 3- by 5-foot rolls. Measure planting area to determine how much would be required.

Lay dirt on the edges of the plastic as you work to keep it from moving and blowing away. Make T- or X-shaped cuts in the plastic at regular intervals to plant your vegetable seeds or transplant. These are also the holes through which the plants will receive water, unless the plastic is perforated throughout.

Use a drip irrigation system with plastic mulches, as recommended by the Clemson Cooperative Extension. This helps to reduce chances of foliage disorders that can occur when leaves fail to dry properly after overhead irrigation.

Use organic materials such as wheat straw and pine straw. Best time to apply organic mulch is in early July, as this gives enough time to the ground for warming sufficiently. Avoid using hay, as this is likely to have weed seeds.