Response to Plastic mulch vs. landscape cloth?

Hi, I have a freind who uses the landscape cloth with good results for weed control. It's come down in price enough I'd try it if my time in the garden didn't allow good weeding. My question/answer is with plastic. I live in COLD country and clear plastic is preferred over black to heat the ground. If there is a piece of black plastic on snow, it will shield the suns rays and the snow will melt last under it. Clear plastic will magnify the sun and it will quickly melt under it. I only use black plastic to shade the melons and onions that need darkness in our wonderfully light summers! I know people who successfully use black plastic as mulch here, but these are my observations. Love this forum, from Interior Alaska Jill

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