Do the plastic lining go in first for a flower bed?
by
Cory
+4
I recently put mulch in my flower bed. I was told that I should have put the plastic lining down first. Should I take the mulch out and lay the plastic?
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Yes ,plastic ,add newspapers as well and then the mulch.
Seems to me that if you put down a weed barrier first, it might be easier to control weeds. IF you put down any plastic fabric,..make sure it is NOT clear plastic...overlap the weed guard plastic and try putting a DOUBLE LAYER. This applies to using the fabric barrier sold at big box stores.. {ALERT... SOME weeds are TENACIOUS and as nature applies, will find their way to even a scintilla of sunlight} Whatever you use, plastic or otherwise, MAKE SURE that any surrounding plant or bushes have an area of MULCH around their base to all for watering. That's my best advice.
I agree, the weed barrier needs to be black and it should go first before mulch otherwise the weeds will just keep coming through, tenacious weeds can be eliminated individually before they get a hold or seed it's easier than dealing with the lots that will spoil your mulch it would be a total waste of time so start again you will be glad in the long run x
If you are completely done with the project and do not want to redo it, just use Preen weed control once a month. It's a granual that is sprinkled on top of the mulch and then wet it with a hose after (or do it right before it rains). It will help control the weeds from coming through.
personally; would never use plastic; cardboard (overlapping); then organic compost; then mulch & of course planting within all that ...
I am with Lelia, i never use plastic. Cardboard or a thick layer of newspaper then mulch. You can do in sections when time permits. I do not use any chemicals in my yard for a number of reasons, but that is a personal choice. You will still get weeds, but they will be shallow rooted and easy to pluck out.
My suggestion is to leave it the way you have it; use a natural herbicidal solution to control weeds IF you DO NOT have plants in the beds...and pluck out those that seems to get through anyway. Generally weeds coming up through mulch are very weak in structure & are easily removed. A natural herbicide can be made from vinegar & salt [ I don't have the recipe handy] & you should be able to look it up on-line.