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For years there has been a debate about whether or not to use landscape fabric.
Landscape fabric blocks sunlight from reaching the soil surface and germinating weed seeds.
Some weed seeds, however, can sit dormant for years until conditions are right to begin the germination process.
Landscape fabric became popular in the 1980s and marketing suggested it would allow water to penetrate soil, while stopping weeds from sprouting.
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The fabric works well to keep some weeds at bay but you must cover the landscape fabric with stone or mulch to keep it in place and hide its ugliness.
Over time mulch breaks down into soil and weed seeds that find their way to the tops side of the landscape fabric germinate.
I prefer to use straight mulch in my garden after I spend the time to weed it first. If mulch is spread two- to three-inches thick it will stay in place for a few years and just need a topping up every couple of years. A few layers of newspaper or cardboard will do the same thing as landscape fabric and also is better for worms as they like to use it as bedding.
Denise Hodgins is a professional gardening coach in London. Send your questions to coaching@diggendirtdesigns.com
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