My wife and our son, who just moved in, are suggesting we use a plastic tarp barrier in front of our home landscaping area, which currently has mulch and some thriving plants. Neither of them has much gardening experience, so I'm curious about the potential downsides of this idea. Why might using a plastic barrier be a bad choice?
3 Answers
I can’t stress enough how plastic can ruin your plants. It’s not just about the weeds; it's also about the health of the soil. If you want to control weeds, go for thick mulch over cardboard instead—it’s much friendlier to your plants!
You definitely want to avoid plastic under mulch. It suffocates roots and restricts water flow. If you're concerned about weeds, using landscape fabric instead can be a better option. It’s all about giving those plants the best chance to thrive!
Using a plastic barrier is generally a bad move for plant areas. It can block air and water, which are essential for your plants. Plus, weeds will still find a way through, making it a hassle in the long run. It’s usually not worth the trouble!
Exactly! It's better to use something like cardboard with mulch on top; it helps with weeding and lets the soil breathe.
Totally agree! Plus, the downside of plastic is that it can create awful odors underneath as it decomposes. Best to steer clear!