How Silage Tarps Transformed Our Farm: A Game-Changer for Weeds, Pests, and Soil Health
For years, we battled burnout, relentless weeds, and pest pressure. No matter how much we hoed, hand-pulled, or even flame-weeded, the weeds always came back. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop weeds from taking over your farm or garden, you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest struggles growers face, draining time, labor, and profitability.
Every season ended with the same question: Was flower farming even worth it? Then, we found a solution that changed everything. A simple, low-effort way to suppress weeds, improve soil health, and reduce labor: silage tarping.
In today’s blog, we’ll cover:
How silage tarping works and why it’s a game-changer for flower farmers, market growers, and gardeners.
The benefits beyond weed control—from soil prep and moisture retention to reducing pests and disease.
How to incorporate silage tarping into your workflow, whether using it alone or alongside landscape fabric.
Black vs. white silage tarps—when to use each, plus how we’ve used the white for frost protection.
Choosing the right silage tarp for maximum impact.
Whether you’re a commercial grower or a backyard gardener, this simple method will help you reclaim your time, reduce weeding, and grow a healthier, more productive garden.
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On the cusp of spring, it’s time to get the growing beds ready for all the spring beauties to come! This silage tarp, large enough to cover six of our standard growing rows, will soon create a weed-free foundation for ranunculus, anemones, and other spring favorites.
This guide is packed with everything you need to understand, set up, and maximize silage tarping for weed suppression, soil health, and efficient planting. To make it easy, we've included quick navigation links so you can jump straight to the sections you need. Click on any title to go directly to that part, and if you’d like to return to the Table of Contents, just hit the back button.
We’re excited to share our best tips and strategies to help you use silage tarping effectively—let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- What is Silage Tarping?
- How Silage Tarping Works
- How to Use Silage Tarps: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preparing Beds for Silage Tarping
- Laying Out the Silage Tarp
- Checking Progress, Removing the Tarp, and Planting
- The Weeding Payoff
- How Weeds Contribute to Pest & Disease Pressure
- Why You Should Silage Tarp
- Why It’s Worth the Investment
- Conclusion
- Recommended Tools & Supplies
- Frequently Asked Questions
Laying a silage tarp isn’t just about covering the soil—it’s about making sure it’s secured properly for maximum weed suppression. Here, Graham checks that the tarp is flat and fully in place, while our trusty dog supervises the process, while also slightly mourning his favorite digging spots are being covered.
What is Silage Tarping?
Before diving into how to use silage tarping, let’s cover what it actually is.
Silage tarping, also known as light deprivation tarping, is a heavy-duty plastic method used in both till and no-till growing systems to suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and regulate temperature. High-quality silage tarps are dual-sided, with one black side and one white side, giving growers versatile options depending on their needs.
A bird’s-eye view of the transformation! On the left, last season’s unprepped rows still hold dead plant material, while on the right, a silage tarp covers six production rows and pathways, secured with top rail pipe to create a weed-free foundation for spring planting. This simple but powerful step helps us get ahead of weeds long before the season begins.
How Silage Tarping Works
Black Silage Tarp: Weed Suppression & Soil Conditioning
If you’re looking for the best way to kill weeds without chemicals, silage tarping is a proven method that works with nature, not against it. By using the black side of a silage tarp, you can create the perfect conditions to force weed seeds to sprout and die, eliminating them before they ever become a problem.
The black side of a silage tarp is primarily used to:
Absorb heat, warming the soil and forcing weed seeds to germinate.
Block sunlight, cutting off weeds before they can establish.
• Speed up decomposition, helping organic matter break down.
The first time we removed a silage tarp from a prepped bed, we were amazed—the soil was rich, loose, and ready to plant! It wasn’t just weed-free; it felt alive.
We also found an unexpected bonus: silage tarping helped kill off overwintered pests hiding in the first few inches of soil, including leafhoppers and flea beetles. While it’s not a full pest management solution, it gave us a head start in reducing early-season pressure.
Beneficial insects, like earthworms, burrowed deeper to escape the heat, continuing to improve soil health. Unfortunately, some pests, like earwigs, also found safety in deeper soil layers, proving that while tarping helps, it’s not a one-and-done fix for all pests.
An unexpected August frost threatened to set back or wipe out our late-season flowers—zinnias, cosmos, lisianthus, and other fillers that would carry us into October. With little time to spare, we flipped our silage tarps white side up over low tunnel hoops to insulate the most vulnerable rows. The result? While the uncovered crops took a hit, our protected zinnias and lisianthus remained unscathed, proving just how versatile silage tarping can be beyond weed control.
White Silage Tarp: Fall Planting & Frost Protection
The white silage tarp is just as useful but serves a different purpose. Since it reflects light instead of absorbing heat, it helps:
Maintain steady soil temperatures, keeping the soil warmer than exposed beds but cooler than black tarps.
Extend fall planting windows, making it ideal for bulbs and late-season crops.
Provide temporary frost protection when the white-side-up is used over hoops.
Improve germination for direct-sown seeds—the white side keeps soil cool while retaining moisture, which can speed up germination, especially for carrots!
We saw this firsthand last August when a surprise freeze threatened our zinnias. Since we had already hooped over our rows, we threw silage tarps white-side-up over the hoops for extra insulation. It worked beautifully—our zinnias were protected, and we kept blooming well into October!
The white silage tarp is especially useful during winter to help maintain soil temperatures and prevent deep penetrating freezes. This can be particularly beneficial for growers in colder regions looking to keep soil workable for late winter or early spring planting. By reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing heat, the white side moderates soil temperatures, preventing extreme fluctuations that can damage soil structure or delay spring planting.
Now that we covered some of the benefits of silage tarping and how it works, let’s get into the steps to utilize it.
Want to learn more about extending your growing season? Check out our Season Extension Guide for more tips on protecting crops and maximizing your harvest window.
Silage tarps are a game-changer—but only if they stay put! With the wind always ready to put up a fight, I’m securing the front corner by rolling a top rail pipe over the edge. This extra weight keeps the tarp anchored, ensuring it does its job without turning into a runaway sail.
How to Use Silage Tarps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the Right Time to Use Silage Tarps
Silage tarping is an invaluable tool, but like everything in growing, timing is everything. The best time to tarp depends on your goals, climate, and seasonal needs.
In general, silage tarping can be broken down into four key seasons: Spring, Mid-Season, Fall, and Winter.
Spring: Prepping Beds for Weed-Free Planting & Faster Warm-Up
Spring is one of the most popular times to use silage tarps, as it suppresses early weeds before planting.
Use black silage tarp to heat the soil and force weed seeds to germinate and die off.
Leave on for 4-6 weeks before planting to ensure maximum weed suppression.
Ideal for getting spring-planted crops off to a strong start in clean, well-conditioned beds.
In colder climates, black silage tarps can also be used to warm the soil more quickly in early spring, helping it become workable sooner. This allows for earlier direct seeding and transplanting, giving crops a head start on the season.
Mid-Season: Clearing Weedy Beds & Prepping for Fall Planting
By mid-season, temperatures are high, and weed pressure is intense. Silage tarping can help reclaim beds that have been overrun by weeds or prep them for fall planting.
Use black silage tarp to suppress weeds quickly and reset the bed.
Leave on for 2-4 weeks, as higher temperatures speed up the process.
Perfect for transitioning beds between successions or prepping for late-summer and fall crops.
Fall: Protecting Soil for Late & Early Spring Plantings
For fall planting, weed suppression isn’t always the top priority—instead, it’s about protecting soil from freezing in colder climates.
Use white silage tarp to regulate soil temperatures without overheating.
Helps maintain optimal conditions soil conditions and protect bulbs.
For fall-planted bulbs, aim for a soil temp of around 40°F—watch temps closely to ensure the tarp isn’t trapping too much heat.
See how we battled unexpected frost to save our summer crops! Read Frost in August | The Fight to Save Our Summer Blooms for a real-life example of season extension in action.
Winter: Preventing Deep Freezes & Keeping Soil Workable
Winter tarping serves a similar function to fall applications but to prevent deep freezes and keep the soil workable for early planting.
Use white or black silage tarp, to protect beds and prevent excessive frost penetration.
In especially cold regions, use tarps to cover freshly planted bulbs so they don’t freeze solid.
Plan to remove winter tarps in late winter/early spring—monitor soil temps and remove immediately once bulbs begin to sprout.
We keep tillage to a minimum, but each of our annual production rows gets one light till per year to break up the surface and incorporate amendments. Here, Graham is prepping the beds, making sure the soil is ready before we lay down the silage tarp to suppress weeds and set the stage for a strong growing season.
Preparing Beds for Silage Tarping
If you’re looking for the best way to prepare garden beds naturally, silage tarping provides an easy, chemical-free solution that improves soil health while suppressing weeds. Once you’ve planned out when to use silage tarping based on your farm’s needs, the next step is preparing the beds.
We’re huge fans of not having to circle back to a task we already spent time doing. To streamline our workflow, we do our entire bed prep before placing the tarp. Now, full bed prep isn’t necessary—but for us, it sets us up for success.
No-Till Approach to Bed Prep
If you’re wondering how to improve soil without tilling, silage tarping is a simple, effective method that enhances soil structure while reducing weed pressure. Unlike traditional tilling, which can disrupt soil microbes, silage tarping allows organic matter to decompose naturally, feeding the soil without unnecessary disturbance.
While we primarily use silage tarping to suppress weeds, many no-till growers use it to accelerate the decomposition of plant material, turning old crops and residues into nutrient-rich organic matter. This process mimics natural decomposition, creating a soft, biologically active planting surface without the need for tilling.
Steps for No-Till Bed Preparation
Instead of tilling, mow down crop residue and leave it on the surface to decompose.
Apply compost or amendments directly on top to feed soil life.
(Optional) Broadfork the bed to aerate the soil without disturbing soil layers.
Keep the soil moist before tarping to encourage both weed seed germination and decomposition.
After removing the tarp, no-till growers can transplant directly into the prepped bed or lightly rake the surface to loosen the top layer before seeding. If the soil is compacted, broad forking once more before planting can help improve aeration and root penetration.
Our Bed Prep Process Before Tarping
Clear Debris – Cut down plants, removing large stems and bulky material to add to the compost pile, but leave the roots in place to break down naturally. Remove weeds to prevent reseeding or spreading.
Rebuild Beds – Shape and smooth them as needed.
Till & Amend – Lightly till the soil, incorporating decomposing roots left from the previous crop to build organic matter. Add amendments, then till again to evenly distribute nutrients and prepare the bed for planting.
Level with a Rake – Ensure an even surface for planting.
Lay Drip Tape & Check for Leaks – This step lets us water under the tarp, keeping moisture levels optimal for germination and decomposition.
(Optional) Lay Pre-Burned Landscape Fabric – Having this ready in advance saves time later when it’s time to plant.
Water - Ensures proper moisture to germinate seeds.
Why this works for us: We’re in an arid climate, so having drip irrigation under the tarp lets us add moisture when needed. Silage tarps work best when the soil stays moist, as this speeds up decomposition and weed seed germination. If you’re in a wetter climate, you may only need to water before placing the tarp.
Getting a silage tarp properly laid out starts with a good setup. Here, Graham begins unfolding the tarp at the front of the rows, pulling out just enough for two people to grab a corner and stretch it evenly across the beds. Taking the time to do this step right makes securing it much easier—especially in windy conditions!
Laying Out the Silage Tarp
How to Lay Out a Silage Tarp: Step-by-Step
Once your soil beds are fully prepped, it’s time to lay out the silage tarp. Proper unfolding ensures full coverage, minimizes trapped air, and makes securing it against the wind easier.
For larger tarps covering multiple rows, it’s often a two-person job to lay them out efficiently.
Step 1: Position the Folded Tarp
Place the tarp at one end of the bed area or at the center point if working with a large piece.
If starting from the center, unfold toward one end first, then go back and unfold toward the other.
If starting from one end, unfold continuously down the row.
Step 2: Unfold the Tarp in Sections
Silage tarps typically come folded accordion-style. Start by lifting and unfolding one layer at a time, rather than dragging.
If working with a partner, each person should take a side or corner to begin stretching it out evenly—especially for large tarps.
Step 3: Spread the Tarp Evenly Over the Beds
As you unfold, gently pull the edges outward to ensure full bed coverage.
Avoid jerking or dragging, as it can disturb your prepared soil.
Keep the tarp low to prevent it from catching the wind and turning into a massive sail.
Make sure the tarp extends at least a foot beyond the edges of your bed space—this will help with securing.
Step 4: Smooth Out Any Air Pockets or Wrinkles
Walk along the perimeter and lift sections slightly to release trapped air before letting it settle.
If you see large wrinkles, gently shake or lift instead of dragging to keep the soil undisturbed.
The goal is to have the tarp flat and evenly laid out before securing it.
Step 5: Securing the Tarp Against Wind
Silage tarps are heavy, but wind can turn them into giant sails if not properly secured. In less windy areas, sandbags may be enough to keep them in place. However, if you farm in a high-wind region, additional precautions are necessary.
Key Considerations for Securing the Tarp:
Ensure the tarp is completely flat with no air pockets or raised areas that wind can catch.
Make sure it fully covers the beds, with extra material on the sides and ends for securing.
With our high winds, securing a silage tarp takes more than just a few weights. Graham is carrying two top rail pipes to lay along the edges, getting ready to roll the tarp into them for a secure hold. This method keeps the tarp anchored tight, preventing it from turning into a giant wind sail.
How to Anchor the Tarp in Windy Areas
Use top rail pipes: Rolling the tarp edges under heavy-duty top rail pipes, commonly used for chain-link fences, helps keep it firmly in place.
Secure all four sides: Any exposed gaps will allow wind to lift the tarp, so anchoring all edges is essential.
Check for tight edges: The closer the tarp is to the soil, the less likely it is to catch the wind.
Extra hands help: Having kids or farmhands stand on the tarp while securing it can make the process easier.
For additional security, place additional top rail pipes on top.
Once the tarp is fully secured, check it periodically, especially after strong winds or storms, to ensure it remains in place.
Pro Tip — Preventing Wind Lift from Air Pockets:
Most growers anchor only the sides, but in high winds, air bubbles can form under the tarp, creating suction that lifts and shifts it. Placing additional top rail pipes along the center of the tarp—especially in the walkways between rows—helps prevent these air pockets from expanding and keeps the tarp firmly in place.
Once the tarp is fully secured, check it periodically, especially after strong winds or storms, to ensure it remains in place.
Laying a silage tarp is always easier with teamwork! I’m pulling the front corner into place while watching Graham (just out of the frame) as we work together to get the tarp positioned smoothly.
Checking Progress, Removing the Tarp, and Planting
While the tarp is in place, we periodically check the soil to monitor decomposition. Once it's ready, we pull back and fold up the tarp—a task best done with two people. As we remove it, we try to reverse the original layout, folding it neatly for easy reuse. With proper handling and care, silage tarps can last for years.
To extend the lifespan of your tarp, store it out of direct sunlight when not in use, as prolonged UV exposure can cause deterioration over time.
Since we’ve already completed full bed prep ahead of time, we can go straight to planting.
If you haven’t done bed prep yet, aim to disturb the soil as little as possible when preparing your beds.
Voyage Pink lisianthus is one of the most time-consuming and expensive crops we grow, making it even more heartbreaking when invasive weeds take over and stunt their growth. But this year was different. Thanks to silage tarping, these plants got the weed-free head start they needed to thrive. Later in the season, the silage tarp came to the rescue again—this time protecting them from an unexpected August frost that could have delayed weeks of harvests.
The Weeding Payoff
By using silage tarping, we gain about a month’s head start on weeds. When weeds do start coming in, they’re sparse and easy to pull—taking only about 15 minutes per growing bed. We make it a habit to do a quick pass-through at the end of the day, when the sun is setting, to remove any new weeds before they become a problem.
The silage tarp has been a major time-saver, drastically reducing weeding labor and allowing our crops to establish stronger root systems without competition. But it’s not just about saving time—by eliminating weeds early, we also remove potential hiding spots for pests and disease vectors, making it easier to grow healthy, vigorous crops without constant interventions.
Best Crops for Silage Tarping
Even if we want to tarp everything, timing and resources don’t always allow for it—especially for larger-scale growers or in beds with established perennials.
When we’re short on time or tarp space, we prioritize crops that benefit the most from silage tarping.
Crops That Benefit Most from Silage Tarping:
Slower-growing crops with smaller root systems (easily overtaken by weeds).
High-value crops (worth the extra effort for a clean start).
Crops prone to disease or pest pressure, especially insects that thrive in weedy environments.
Many of the crops we prioritize for silage tarping are slower-growing transplants, giving them a weed-free head start before they go in the ground. Later in the season, we also use silage tarping for direct-sown crops, ensuring they germinate and establish without heavy weed competition.
By fall, I’m usually exhausted from the many battles of flower farming. But since introducing silage tarping, I’ve realized much of that stress came from the domino effect of weeds. With healthier, weed-free beds, the season feels less overwhelming—and the dahlias (along with their farmers!) thrive because of it.
Silage Tarping for Transplanted Flowers & Vegetables
Flowers:
Lisianthus – Slow-growing and shallow-rooted, making it easy for aggressive weeds to take over.
Violas – Small plants with shallow roots, plus prone to pest pressures.
Zinnias – Though fast-growing, they’re susceptible to pests and powdery mildew if weeds harbor moisture.
Dahlias – Leafhoppers love to hide in weedy patches which become a major issue for these plants.
Ranunculus & Anemones – We tarp these to reduce weed pressure that attracts aphids.
Vegetables:
Tomatoes – Helps reduce disease pressure and prevents insects from harboring in weeds.
Cauliflower – Minimizes powdery mildew risk and helps deter caterpillars.
Peppers – Benefit from weed-free soil early on to establish strong root systems.
By silage tarping before transplanting, these crops get a head start in clean, weed-free soil, leading to better establishment and healthier plants.
Need help with transplanting? Check out our Transplanting Guide for step-by-step tips on getting your plants off to a strong start.
Silage Tarping for Direct-Sown Crops
For direct-sown crops, silage tarping is key for getting ahead of aggressive weeds that germinate alongside seedlings. Using the black side up before planting kills off weed competition, ensuring a clean, weed-free bed for your seeds.
But silage tarping isn’t just for weed control—using the white side up can create an ideal environment for germinating finicky seeds, especially in the shoulder seasons. Crops like carrots, Queen Anne’s lace, and other slow-germinating varieties benefit from the moderated soil temperatures and consistent moisture retention that the white side provides.
Flowers:
Sunflowers, zinnias & cosmos – Thrive when given a head start before warm-weather weeds like pigweed emerge.
Agrostemma & bachelor buttons – Can struggle with early weed competition when direct-seeded.
Ammi & Orlaya – Delicate direct-sown flowers that benefit from a weed-free start.
Vegetables:
Beans & peas – Peas are especially prone to powdery mildew, which often starts with weeds.
Baby greens – Keeps harvesting efficient—no guessing if it’s a weed!
Lettuce – Helps reduce disease and insect pressure.
Arugula – Highly susceptible to flea beetles, making tarping a key step.
Spinach – Loves cool soil but struggles against weeds, making silage tarping especially beneficial for early plantings.
Carrots, beets, and radishes – Perform significantly better when given a weed-free start.
Even fast-growing crops struggle against ferocious weeds that can outcompete them in peak season. Silage tarping gives direct-sown crops the crucial head start they need—or in the case of baby greens and quick-maturing crops like radishes, it can mean weed-free beds entirely for a seamless, efficient harvest.
Not all insects are pests—some, like this ladybird (ladybug), help keep the balance. While weeds attract aphids and flea beetles, predators like this thrive in a well-managed field, showing why weed control is key to reducing pest pressure.
How Weeds Contribute to Pest & Disease Pressure
Weeds aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a breeding ground for pests and diseases that can devastate crops. We’ve seen firsthand how certain weeds act as the starting point for powdery mildew, aphids, flea beetles, leafhoppers, and earwigs.
Common Problem Weeds & Their Impact:
Sow Thistle (Sonchus arvensis) – A widespread weed (especially in arid and temperate regions), sow thistle harbors aphids, which spread to crops like ranunculus, anemones, and lettuce.
Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola) – Notorious for hosting powdery mildew, which spreads to peas, zinnias, and cauliflower. It also produces fluffy seeds, spreading weeds throughout growing areas.
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) – A highly aggressive weed, bindweed competes with crops and develops powdery mildew early in the season, spreading disease to surrounding plants.
Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) – While crabgrass itself doesn’t produce fluff, it traps and spreads thistle seed fluff(like that from prickly lettuce and sow thistle), embedding debris into blooms and devaluing cut flowers.
Leafy Weeds & Tall Growth – Leafhoppers and aphids hide in weedy patches, then migrate to crops like dahlias and zinnias, increasing disease risk.
Flea Beetle Overwintering – Flea beetles thrive in weedy soil, making arugula, brassicas, and small seedlings their first target in the season.
Earwig Havens – Earwigs seek shelter in dense weed growth, damaging seedlings, flowers, and soft-stemmed crops like dahlias and zinnias.
By eliminating these weeds before planting, silage tarping removes pest and disease hotspots, making it easier to manage crops without constant interventions.
A field full of blooming zinnias and cosmos is a beautiful sight—but even more rewarding when the flowers had a weed-free start. With healthy plants and no competition from invasive weeds, harvesting is faster, easier, and more abundant. Time to gather these blooms at their peak!
Why You Should Silage Tarp
Silage tarping is more than just weed control—it’s a strategic tool that directly impacts profitability, efficiency, and product quality. Whether you’re running a flower farm, market garden, or just want to spend less time fighting weeds, incorporating silage tarps into your workflow can completely change the way you grow.
1. Profitability: Fewer Weeds, Stronger Crops, Higher Returns
If you’ve been struggling with how to make farming more profitable, one of the biggest hidden costs might be weeding labor. For market growers, weeds are not just an inconvenience—they’re a direct threat to profitability. Every minute spent hand-pulling weeds is time not spent planting, harvesting, or selling crops. Silage tarping eliminates this issue by giving your crops a weed-free start, leading to higher yields, stronger plants, and less labor spent on maintenance.
Stronger crops = higher yields – Weed-free transplants establish faster, leading to higher production per bed.
Fewer crop losses – Weeds steal nutrients, reduce airflow, and introduce pests, leading to lost revenue.
Less time on maintenance – With fewer weeds to manage, labor costs go down, freeing up time for higher-value tasks.
2. Work-Life Balance: More Growing, Less Weeding
Many farmers and gardeners start out passionate about growing, only to find themselves burnt out from constant weeding and pest control. If you’re looking for ways to reduce weeding labor on a farm, silage tarping is one of the easiest methods to get ahead of weeds before they ever become a problem.
Some growers turn to organic herbicides as a solution, but these require repeated applications and can still impact soil health. Silage tarping eliminates the need for spraying altogether by preventing weed growth at the source. By eliminating weeds before planting, you cut down on maintenance work later in the season, saving time and energy while creating a healthier, more resilient growing environment.
Stops weeds before they start – Weeds never get a chance to establish, so you’re not constantly behind.
Reduces time spent on reactive work – Instead of constantly weeding, you’re planting, harvesting, and actually enjoying the process.
More time for what matters – Whether it’s scaling your farm, spending time with family, or simply having more space to breathe, silage tarping puts you back in control of your time.
3. Product Quality: A Cleaner, More Marketable Harvest
If you sell flowers or vegetables, quality matters. Nothing devalues a bouquet faster than thistle seed fluff embedded in petals or a head of lettuce covered in flea beetle damage.
Weed-free soil = cleaner crops – No more pulling debris out of flower petals or sifting weeds out of greens.
Reduces pest & disease pressure – Weeds harbor aphids, flea beetles, powdery mildew, and more—eliminating them before planting protects your crops.
Less competition for nutrients & water – Your plants can grow to their full potential without being choked out by aggressive weeds.
4. Even for Hobby Gardeners: More Beauty, Less Effort
Even if you’re not growing for profit, silage tarping makes gardening easier and more enjoyable.
Less weeding = more time to enjoy your garden.
Stronger, healthier plants mean better blooms and higher yields in the backyard.
No more losing seedlings to weeds – Direct-sown crops like sunflowers, cosmos, and carrots get the head start they need.
Securing a silage tarp is all about keeping it anchored against the wind. Here, Graham is laying down top rail pipealong the edge, getting ready to roll the tarp into place. This extra step ensures the tarp stays put, no matter how strong the winds get.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
At first, silage tarping might seem like an extra step, but the benefits are undeniable. For commercial growers, it’s a powerful solution for efficiency and profitability. For hobbyists, it means less maintenance and more time to actually enjoy the garden.
Not All Silage Tarps Are Created Equal
When we first started using silage tarps, we assumed that any heavy black plastic would do the job. We quickly learned that not all tarps are made the same, and quality makes a big difference.
Cheap Plastic vs. Agricultural-Grade Silage Tarps
At one point, we picked up a black plastic sheet from Home Depot, thinking it would work just as well as a silage tarp. What we found:
Lighter and less durable – It was noticeably lighter than the Bootstrap Farmer silage tarp.
Ineffective weed control – It didn’t block light as effectively, leading to more weed survival.
Faster degradation – It broke down quickly, especially when exposed to wind and sun.
When we switched to a true agricultural-grade silage tarp, the difference was huge:
Heavier and more effective – It was significantly heavier, making it better at suppressing weeds.
Longer lifespan – It withstood the elements for multiple uses, whereas the plastic from Home Depot noticeably started breaking down after a couple of uses.
Superior performance – It fully killed weeds and improved soil structure.
Why Thickness and UV Treatment Matter
A true silage tarp is designed for farming conditions, with:
A thickness of at least 5-6 mils (thinner plastics degrade quickly).
UV inhibitors to prevent breakdown from sun exposure.
A durable, reinforced structure that holds up against wind, moisture, and frequent use.
Investing in the Right Tarp Pays Off
While it’s tempting to cut costs with hardware store plastic, a high-quality silage tarp is worth the investment for long-term weed suppression, soil improvement, and durability.
If you’re serious about reducing weeds, improving soil, and maximizing efficiency, go with a tarp designed for agricultural use.
There’s nothing quite like pretty dahlias at sunrise—a quiet, golden moment before the day begins. These blooms got their best start thanks to weed-free, well-prepped beds, allowing them to thrive without competition. A beautiful reward for all the work that goes into the growing season!
Ultimately, we were desperate to take our farm back from the chaos and relentless grip of weeds. Weeds trigger a domino effect, negatively impacting work-life balance, crop quality, and profitability.
Silage tarping has been a complete game-changer for our small farm—we truly can’t recommend it enough. If weeds or pest pressure have been wreaking havoc in your garden or fields, we hope that silage tarping can be a game-changer for you too.
We are looking forward to sharing more blooms with you soon.
Jessica & Graham
Recommended Tools & Supplies
To get started with silage tarping, here are the essential tools we use on our farm:
Silage Tarps aka “Light Deprivation Tarps”
For effective weed suppression and soil protection, we recommend agricultural-grade silage tarps.
Landscape Fabric
Using silage tarps in conjunction with landscape fabric is an effective way to combat weeds while also conserving water.
Growing Bed Prep & Planting Tools
We rely heavily on drip irrigation from silage tarping through the active growing season to keep our crops thriving. For no-till systems—or even for growers who till but want to aerate soil with minimal impact—broadforks are an incredible tool. And for precision and efficient direct seeding, we love using our Jang and Earthway Seeders!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I leave a silage tarp in place?
It depends on your goal. For weed suppression, 3-6 weeks is ideal. For soil preparation, leaving it for a full season, up to 12 weeks, can improve soil structure and organic matter breakdown.
Can I reuse silage tarps?
Yes! High-quality agricultural-grade tarps can last multiple seasons if properly stored and handled.
Do silage tarps cause soil compaction?
No, silage tarps do not inherently compact soil when used responsibly. Research from University of Maine Extensionand SARE shows that tarping maintains soil structure and reduces disturbance, making it a valuable no-till tool.
However, prolonged tarping in some conditions may create anaerobic environments that contribute to localized compaction (No-Till Growers). To prevent this, integrate broadforking and organic matter to improve aeration and soil health.
The bottom line: When paired with good soil management, silage tarps suppress weeds without causing compaction, making them an effective tool for no-till growers.
Should I use the black or white side of the tarp?
Use the black side up for weed suppression and soil warming. Use the white side up to moderate soil temperatures, especially for fall planting or frost protection.
What’s the difference between silage tarps and landscape fabric?
Silage tarps are temporary and reusable, used for weed suppression and soil prep. Landscape fabric is permanent, used for weed control in planted areas.
Can I use silage tarping in a no-till system?
Yes! Silage tarping is a key tool for no-till growers, helping suppress weeds without disturbing soil biology.
