I'm looking for some advice and opinions about using weed barriers or landscape fabric for my garden. I primarily garden in raised beds and I'm currently in the process of redesigning my entire space to enhance productivity and the overall lifespan of my garden. My initial plan was to cover the entire area (about 20x40 feet) with landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing between the beds. However, I'm starting to worry about the possible microplastic contamination in the soil. Am I overthinking this? Also, I live in northeast Oklahoma, and I really dislike weeding in the summer, especially since I need to keep pathways clear for safety – there are copperhead snakes that like the cooler areas, which isn't great with two toddlers who love to help in the garden. I'd appreciate any input!
3 Answers
Honestly, I've found that mulch is the way to go. Aim for a minimum of 4 inches. Weed barriers don't seem to last; weeds will still push right through. Plus, they leave little bits of plastic in the soil after they break down.
I've personally had a bad experience with weed barriers—they just don't hold up. They crumble after a year or so, and next thing you know, there are weeds sprouting all over again. I used it to kill off grass in my vegetable garden, and years later I'm still finding fragments. Not cool!
I recommend using cardboard as a natural weed barrier, topped with mulch. The cardboard is biodegradable and breaks down over time, plus it won't leave any plastic residue. Just make sure to use plain brown cardboard instead of the colored, coated types. I’ve seen my neighbors do this, and their gardens thrive!
Yes! Definitely stick to things like cardboard. It really helps with weed control without any of the plastic issues.
Absolutely! Sheet mulching is the way to go. Don't forget to layer about 4 inches of mulch on top. Trust me, you don't want to deal with the hassle of plastic barriers—they just create more work in the long run.