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How to Solarize Soil

Gardener rakes fresh soil in a raised garden bed

Published November 17, 2023

Keeping your garden and lawn healthy can be tricky. You don't have to reach for the weed killer, though. If weeds and soil-borne diseases are posing a serious problem, learning to solarize your soil surface can help.

This organic technique uses sunlight to heat the soil, kill weeds and seeds and fight off a variety of different issues, including a pest problem or soil-borne pathogen issue.

Use this guide to learn more about soil solarization. It's a simple, organic process that, over time, will improve your garden soil.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Duration:

Under 2 hours

Project Guide
Outdoor Living Ideas
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Organic
Soil
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Gardening

Table of Contents

  1. Level Your Garden and Soak with Water

  2. Lay Plastic

  3. Remove the Plastic and It's Ready