If you are in NJ as your user name implies (you need to include your garden zone, not your zip code) then it shouldn't be problem yet. Soil temps are still only in the lower 70s down here so far.

But later in the season it may well be. Usually I apply the hay mulch on top of the plastic about mid-late June when the soil temps hit the 80s.

Dave

Oh, okay thanks. I just looked up my zone and its 7. I will mulch it when the temps go up. I did think it'd get too hot later on in the season. Good to know that others use the weed block too.

You're pretty darn neat there! I use black plastic ZOne 5b. Usually after digging holes and amending with compost there is usually alot of dirt left that doesnt fit back in the planting hole! Usually I just mound around the plant and always mulch when I am done planting. All this reduces the amount of just black plastic around the plant.