I've been struggling with an overflow of weeds popping up in the mulch around my perennials. Every season, it seems to get worse, and I'm curious about what others do to stop this from happening. Is it advisable to use weed control products in this area? I'm worried that it might harm my plants or keep them from growing properly. I have landscape fabric underneath the mulch, but any additional tips would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
It's pretty much a given that weeds will pop up, especially in mulch. It's like a buffet for plants! If you're seeing tons of weeds, you might be over-mulching. With the fabric underneath, a thinner layer can work just fine. I personally prefer weeding by hand and refreshing the mulch every few years. Using herbicides isn’t my thing; they can be harmful to pets, kids, and beneficial insects.
Honestly, weeding is just part of the gardening gig. Once you accept it, it isn’t quite as frustrating. I’ve actually started enjoying it! I put on a podcast or some tunes, don my gardening gear, and get to work. As for eco-friendly solutions, boiling water can work, but be careful—it can also damage any nearby plants if their roots are close to the surface.
I’m confused because my neighbors seem to have no weeds at all in their mulch. What am I doing wrong?
Your neighbors might just be using herbicides. It's common in landscaping, but it's good to consider the impact on nature!
Don’t get discouraged! With regular weeding, especially if you pull them out before they seed, you should see improvements over time. Adding more established perennials or shrubs can help too, as they shade over and outcompete the weeds. Aim for a full bed of plants instead of just patches with mulch around them.