Plastic mulch also works well. Black plastic reduces light to the soil, thus preventing weed growth. Clear plastic warms the soil faster than black plastic but does not control weeds. Put drip irrigation hoses in place before laying down the plastic. Make slits in the plastic, add fertilizer, and place transplants next to the water source.
Landscape fabrics are another option.
Because they allow moisture to pass through, they don't require a drip system. However, they are thicker than plastic and tend to cool the soil instead of warming it. Top Water management Weeds need water to germinate and grow. Sprinklers water a large area, all of which must be weeded. Cultivation Germinating weeds are very vulnerable to hoeing, hand pulling, or rototilling.