I just bought a house and I'm working on my back garden, which has been well-maintained up until now. I'm planning to remove all the plants and weeds to get it ready for spring. I've been doing some research but I'm not keen on using weed membranes since they don't completely stop weeds, and cardboard isn't my favorite option either. What other methods can I consider? I've seen some info on using jute mulch, but what do experienced gardeners recommend instead of using a membrane?
2 Answers
If cardboard isn't your thing, you can go for a thick layer of mulch like compost. It helps keep the weeds down without all that plastic waste from weed membrane, which doesn’t work anyway. Just make sure you pull out any stubborn perennial weeds first, since they might poke through.
A lot of people suggest just waiting a year before making significant changes. This gives you a chance to see what actually grows and helps you make informed decisions. I totally get wanting to change things up, though! If you’re really eager, consider starting a compost bin. You can gather up autumn leaves and grass clippings to create some natural mulch for next year, which is awesome for suppressing weeds.