Is a good idea to use a double layer of garden fabric / weed blocker?

Windmere Thu Mar 07, 2013 11:43 am

Hello all~

I am fully ready to construct my garden beds. But I have a big question...

Because I am getting a roll of garden fabric that is about three times what I need... I will have extra. The roll that I am getting is the smallest available size. Because the roll is "generic" in the sense that it is manufactured by the nursery I'm buying from, it actually ends up costing less than a much smaller fabric I will be taking back to Lowe's. What's more, the Lowe's product lasts one season, while the generic nursery product lasts at least 5 years.

So.... I can double up on the garden fabric for each of my three beds. I am erecting my beds on grass. I think that factor might plat a role in how much I use.

Thanks to all who post regarding this. I NEED your opinions!

thinking

Hoggar Thu Mar 07, 2013 1:08 pm

Here is a link to another thread about weed block that might help.

weed-block

Windmere Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:51 pm

Thanks for refreshing my memory about this thread Hoggar. It completely answered my question.

Glad to have everyone's wisdom as a resource.
Very Happy

Hardcoir Thu Mar 07, 2013 6:13 pm

I thought I posted this somewhere prior, but I cannot find it. I have heard a certified SFG-instructor relate that she does not use weed block. Instead, she uses a bed of leaves over newspaper. This allows the worms in the ground to climb up into your Mel's Mix and ties the mix to the Earth.

I have not used weed block ever in any raised bed garden plots. We have minimal weed problems that can be plucked in about 90 seconds once a week. I don't think weed block is one of the Steadfast rules to qualify as a Square Foot Garden. If you live in a yard that has more weeds than grass, then maybe it is needed. However, our principle weed problem comes from airborne seed, and we do not consider dandelion to be a weed. We eat it and welcome the free superfood when it appears in our garden. When picked young, it is a wonderful addition to a salad.

Dunkinjean Thu Mar 07, 2013 10:17 pm

I did put weed block on the bottom of my beds since I went directly onto the grass but I only put down 1 layer. The 1 layer has worked well for 3 yrs.

In the late fall when I am done with the garden, I clean it up, add compost and then cover all the boxes with weed block to protect it from animals, etc. for the winter.

Then when I uncover the boxes in the spring I just mix the soil a bit in each box, put in a grid and plant! Very Happy

You may need the additional weed block also for more boxes in the future and/or you can give some away if you know of anyone that can use it.
Good luck!

Hoggar Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:21 am

Ive had some tenacious weeds that have made it up through the bottom of my boxes, through weed-cloth + 3 layers of newspaper + 1 layer cardboard and 6 inches of soil. I now have a layer of plastic under every box, its open at he sides so they can drain and I have very happy worms that have found there way into my boxes. yesterday while I was topping off one of my boxes and mixing in the new MM with the old I found several large night crawlers that appeared to be very healthy.

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Is a good idea to use a double layer of garden fabric / weed blocker?

Is a good idea to use a double layer of garden fabric / weed blocker?

Re: Is a good idea to use a double layer of garden fabric / weed blocker?

Thanks... that thread was helpful... I forgot about it

Consider not using the weed block

Re: Is a good idea to use a double layer of garden fabric / weed blocker?

Re: Is a good idea to use a double layer of garden fabric / weed blocker?

Re: Is a good idea to use a double layer of garden fabric / weed blocker?


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