I’ve cleared the weeds from a garden bed, but there are plants I want to keep. What are some ways to suppress weeds without using a regular layer of mulch?
What can I use to keep weeds down besides mulch?
Asked by MellowOrbit
Answers
Cardboard can work as a temporary weed barrier. Wet plain, uncoated cardboard and lay it around the plants, leaving a little space around stems, then cover it with something to hold it down. It blocks light while breaking down, but persistent weeds may push through, and you’ll need to check that water can still reach the soil.
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If there’s room between your existing plants, a low-growing ground cover can fill open soil and compete with new weeds. Pick one suited to your light and climate, and check how readily it spreads before planting. It won’t make the bed weed-proof, and it may take a while to cover bare patches.
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For a bed with established plants, regular shallow weeding can be simpler than adding a new material. Hoe or pull seedlings while they’re small, taking care around plant roots. It’s not a one-time fix, but doing a quick pass often can keep the job manageable.
VelvetPebble:
That seems especially useful where cardboard or other covers would be awkward to fit around lots of plants.
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SilverLattice:
I’d leave a clear ring around the plants already in the bed so the ground cover doesn’t crowd them.