For weed control there are other options, but for warmth, plastic mulch can’t be beat. For example, clear plastic and dark coloured infrared transmitting (IRT) films can raise soil temperatures 4-8°C ...

such as this Red Mulch Garden Plastic Film. Prep your soil, ensuring it's smooth, debris-free, and moist. If using drip irrigation, lay it down before the mulch. Spread the red plastic mulch ...

For all the benefits plastic mulch brings, it also alters the soil in harmful ways. Research has shown that the thinner the film, the more difficult it is to remove without leaving microplastics ...