What kind of mulch should I use in my raised garden bed?
by
Anna
+4
I am planting a vegetable garden this year after many years of not having one. I spent $35 for a yard of premium garden soil to put in my very first raised bed. I think I should cover the soil with mulch so as not to get weeds in my good soil, but am not sure what I should mulch with. Suggestions?
7 answers
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I have been growing veggies for a few years, and just lay down high-quality weed barrier (sold on big rolls by the square foot at good garden stores, ie not the garden section attached to the big box stores), and it's pretty effective. You can just cut holes for the plants. In Oregon, you shouldn't have to worry about the soil drying out with the black fabric, which is the only possible drawback here. I think that is easier than mulch, and more effective for blocking weeds. It also keeps the ground warm for your veggies, and is more pest-resistant than mulch. The good weed barrier is more expensive, but should last a few years. The cheap stuff, on the other hand, will last a year at best. If you insist on mulch, I recommend the stuff they call "gorilla hair" around here. It lasts a while and is less likely to get blown around by wind.
3po3
on May 17, 2012
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If you go with mulch, I always think a good, finely ground, hardwood mulch is best.
Douglas Hunt
on May 18, 2012
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Anna, if you are using a good quality soil with compost mixed in, I don't think you need mulch but I agree with Doug if you use it, finely ground hardwood is best. Home Depo sells Nature's Helper which is a soil conditioner and I sometimes use it as a mulch.
Erica Glasener
on May 18, 2012
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I like a fine bark that has been mixed with manure, I think it's called SteerGro. Very dark and can be mixed in at the end of the season.
Barb C
on May 18, 2012
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I'm wondering what are anyone's thoughts on using newspapers for keeping weeds out of my raised beds, with mulch on top of them.
Annette White
on Apr 26, 2013
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I COVER WITH A MANURE COMPOST AND THEN WITH PEAT MOSS AND DON'T HAVE WEEDS.
Mbierystone
on May 01, 2015
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Check out rubber mulch from Home Depot - made from recycled tires, comes in a couple of colors and you don't have to replace it every year. AND animals don't like to do their business in it !!
Katy Fox
on Jun 09, 2015
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