Weed Barrier

**RoOsTeR** 10/7/2011, 10:55 am

So, I plan on finishing up my MM today for my first 4x4 box. My boxes are going where my garden has always been. I have not found a good answer on weed barrier... I know the book says weed barrier, sand, whatever. I want to stay simple, but effective. What is the best way to go here? Damp newspapers, cardboard, actual weed barrier? I don't want plastic, or wood bottoms? I have no problem with buying weed barrier and its what I had or have planned on. But now I am really looking into worms and their future Very Happy

Just looking for some advice and experience here.

boffer 10/7/2011, 11:51 am

Reasons for box bottom barriers:

To keep MM from mixing with native soil:
If your native soil is hard packed dirt, mixing might not be an issue. If your native soil is sand, your MM is going to disappear. If chemical contamination of native soil is an issue, then a barrier is a must.
To keep weeds in native soil out of MM:
If you have invasive weeds like Bermuda Grass, you'll want a barrier as secure as Ft.Knox. Most weeds aren't a big problem. Some members don't use a barrier to leave access for the worms, and say the few weeds are worth the worms' benefits.
To keep burrowing critters out:
¼ inch hardware cloth or solid bottoms are recommended.

You could put down the weed barrier of your choice (free, cheap, or makes you feel good), then cut some holes for the worms to crawl through. Or, introduce worms from the top side using this method.

**RoOsTeR** 10/7/2011, 12:10 pm

Thanks boffer. That is an excellent idea! At this point I am going to STOP second guessing myself. I originally planned for weed barrier and am just going to stick with that. With the garden struggles I have had in the past, my reasoning behind trying SQF is to "make it better".
Lol. For now I want my box set up properly.

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