A  local restaurant in Flemingsburg, Kentucky decided to start growing some of the vegetables that they utilize a lot in their day-to-day operations.  When the owner discussed his ideas and concerns with me during a training at the local Extension office, I suggested plastic mulch as a possibility to assist in his weed control for this endeavor.  Unfamiliar with the practice, and the equipment utilized in laying plastic mulch I enlisted the assistance of a neighboring ANR agent.  We provided the owner with a list of materials needed in preparation for the plastic laying day as well as instructions on how to prepare the ground.

On a nice warm May morning, we all met in the field near the restaurant to begin the hands-on how-to demo for plastic laying and drip irrigation.  The owner, his wife, and two sons learned how to set-up the plastic laying machine, prep the irrigation system, and how to lay a nice tight plastic mulch.  They all were intrigued and amazed about the process, and stated numerous times throughout the training of how they had wished they had done this sooner because it would have been beneficial for their business.  

At the end of the training, the group were comfortable in the process and planned on planting the vegetables the next week.  

A month later I visited with the owner and he boasted about the plastic mulch and how well his garden was doing.  He talked about the amount of tomatoes that were on the vine and how it was going to be a great addition to his restaurant.  Along with the tomatoes, he had cucumbers and peppers that would self supply his business.