I've been living in my apartment for 16 years, and last year was my first attempt at gardening. Unfortunately, winter wiped out my garden, and I'm keen to improve this time around. I have a weed barrier now and am considering adding some colorful flowers—last year I grew coleus, which I loved, but I want a bit more variety. I'm unsure about the steps I should take: Do I put down the barrier and then add mulch or rocks on top of that? I know I still need soil, but how should I layer everything? Also, should I cut holes in the barrier to plan where I'm placing my plants? I'm looking for any tips that could help me out!
4 Answers
You're mostly right about how to set things up. But instead of the barrier, focus on a thorough weed session first—make sure to get roots out without removing too much soil. Mixing some compost into your existing soil will be great for your plants! Once you plant, finish with an organic mulch on top to help keep those pesky weeds down. Gardening does involve weeding, but if you get into a routine, it can be quite enjoyable. Plus, the more your plants grow, the less chance weeds have of taking over!
Starting out is definitely a learning curve! I'd recommend skipping the landscape fabric and rocks. They can complicate things more than necessary. For weed control, some mulch can help, but honestly, just planting in plain dirt has worked for gardeners for centuries. Think about using perennials, which come back year after year, especially if you’re tired of losing your plants in winter. Check your hardiness zone to pick the best plants for your area!
I really wouldn’t recommend using a barrier long-term. It traps weeds underneath and makes it tough to maintain the natural balance in your soil. Rocks also just add another layer of hassle when you’re trying to dig. If weeds are your concern, maybe look into organic options or simple methods without weed killers. A good initial weeding session and keeping up with maintenance can be quite satisfying.
Thanks for the tip! I thought a barrier would help but I guess it complicates things. I’ll focus on good weeding. Any tips for pulling them effectively?