Mixing gravel and wet cement

[Scarlett]

My gardener has suggested I do this to replace the layer of sheeting/gravel that has been covered in weeds for years despite weedkiller and everything else. He says it will look like gravel, but will stop the weeds coming through. Has anyone else tried this and does it work?!

[MrLee-Gend]

If you do this lay a layer of black plastic underneath.This stops the sunluight getting thru.Nothing can grow without light .

Hope this helps.

[Clanad]

The problem with your gardener's suggestion is that this is going to be a very temporary fix. Unless the concrete is properly mixed and set in forms on top of a good layer of base, it will crack and break apart in short order. If, what you are contemplating is simply mixing gravel into a layer of cement about a couple of inches thick, it may last this summer, but by next spring... paflooey... you'll be in worse weed problems than now...

[Scarlett]

Oh BAH that is a problem. I guess I will just have to see what happens...

[Hawkwalk]

may I suggest you get a new gardener

[landscaper2]

What an awful idea Scarlett - arm round the shoulder time for your 'gardener' methinks!! If he cant keep a bit of gravel weed free, there's no hope!

[Scarlett]

I know!! It stayed weed-free initially, except for the edges where the weed-proof sheeting didn't meet the patio. But a few years on it looks like a jungle. The weeds and grass are growing on top of the sheet, in the gravel. It's hopeless.

[Scarlett]

He is not actually a gardener, he is a landscaper so deals with patios and decking rather than pruning! He should know about this stuff, hence.