Stopping The Weeds

[chokkie]

Hi Green Fingered ABers out there, we've just had our litte "rockery" made-over and we're very pleased with the results. Instead of putting some new shrubs in, I thought we would leave it bare until the autumn and then plant some spring-flowering bulbs. So I thought that the only way to stop the weeds choking it up again, I should lay some black plastic all over the bare earth? Is that the best way? And any particular sort of black plastic? Or just regular stuff? In fact anything that I might have lying around the shed? Any thoughts, folks - just want some way to keep the weeds at bay from this newly formed bed. Thanks in advance, Chox.

[spathiphyllum]

I mean.. Yep, any heavy duty weed cloth would do.

I'd personally allow them to grow, then if on rockery, kill them with fire.

A tarpooling would also work, but would be a bit more messy with water.

[maggiebee]

Rather than use plastic I would put a few inches of bark down on top of bare (weeded) earth. Just scrape back when it's time to plant bulbs.

[chokkie]

Oh, bark's a great idea. Will bark chips be okay? I've got a whole bag of those sitting in the shed?

[spathiphyllum]

My experience of bark is it's a mulc.. if anything weeds will love that.

[spathiphyllum]

Mulch* sorry


This just enriches the soil for things to grow. You need a solid layer of blockage. Plastic preferably or a heavy duty weed cloth.

[spathiphyllum]

Reading online.. apparently a thick layer of mulch does work as it blocks out light. But that's the only way it works, by limiting light.

[spathiphyllum]

You will need a very thick layer of mulch. A good 3 (i'd honestly say 5) inches

[spathiphyllum]

https://gristwoodandtoms.co.uk/should-i-buy-wood-chip-or-bark-chip/

[chokkie]

Mmm, think I'll ditch the bark chips idea - will look into some weed cloth, it's not overly expensive. Thanks folks, much appreciate your help. Cheers, Chox.

[spathiphyllum]

Sorry to muddy the waters chokie. Anytime i've mulched on my allotment, weeds just re-appear. So in my experience, a weed cloth is the best and in my mind only definite solution. However, as i've said.. It mentions online that a natural weed blocker is a very thick layer of mulch.

[chokkie]

Many thanks everyone, seems to be divided between a very thick layer of mulch and weed cloth. I am tending to go for the weed cloth, but really appreciate your advice, everyone. Much appreciate it all. Happy gardening this weekend folks! Cheers, Chox.

[pixie374]

I have slate on mine, which 8 move to put plants in. No weeds seem to get through at all.

[pixie374]

My autocorrect is on another level today:-)