Experienced gardeners can be an invaluable resource. It's good that many new green thumbs ask these comrades for advice.
There are countless communities on Reddit where such conversations started by DIYers are routine.
“Building a farmhouse-style garden,” one such poster wrote in r/gardening. “Should I use weed substance?”
They said they were almost finished resetting the garden curbs and shared a photo of what looked like thick gray plastic running down the side of a house.
The Texan added that they wanted to plant native perennials to attract bees and butterflies, but they were “again hesitant to use the barrier” they had used in the past in hopes of creating a fuller garden.
“If you need a weed barrier, just lay down some cardboard. You will regret using landscaping material,” said one commenter. “There will still be weeds, but instead of being able to pull them out, their roots will weave themselves into the landscape fabric, leaving you with a carpet of weeds where you'll have to curse your former self for using the landscape fabric. “.”
Another user wrote: “You will get weeds regardless of birds.” [pooping] and from the wind.”
These responses epitomized the informative responses found on the social media platform. Regardless of whether it is weed control fabric, weed protection or landscaping material, the plastic-based textile does more harm than good. It may work in the short term, but sooner or later natural processes take over.
If no weeds are growing on or through the material used, the barrier has an even greater chance of inhibiting the exchange of water, nutrients and gases at the surface of your garden. According to Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, Indiana, soil needs all of these things to thrive, and plastic also compacts the substance, making the situation worse over time.
🗣️ What is the hardest thing about garden care?
🔘 Mow the lawn 🏡
🔘 Fight weeds 🌿
🔘 Keep pests at bay 🐿️
🔘I don't have a garden 🤷
🗳️ Click on your selections to see the results and express your opinion
At the end of its lifespan, the fabric eventually breaks down into microplastics, further damaging the soil, which can be particularly problematic if you grow your own food. Even if you don't, the tiny particles – less than 5 millimeters long – can end up in your water supply or be carried away to contaminate another environment.
When gardening, it's best to keep things natural. This means controlling weeds and pests without chemicals, using organic fertilizers, composting and mulching, as the poster says. With a bunch of helpful tips, they were well on their way.
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