The Cool Down
Gardener shares honest experience after installing common landscaping mistake i…
One gardener explains why he tries to avoid landscape fabric and gives alternative ways to control weeds.
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Gardener Reveals Why Landscaping Fabric Fails and What to Use Instead for Weed Control
Atlanta Gardener Shares Effective Weed Control Tips Atlanta-based gardener, known as Artful Rodger online, recently offered practical advice on effective weed control, cautioning against the common use of landscaping fabric. In a recent video, Rodger detailed his past negative experiences with landscaping fabric, explaining how it ultimately exacerbated weed issues in his garden. "What I found is it just made the weed problem worse," Rodger stated, describing how weeds grew through and over the fabric, making maintenance difficult. Instead, he advocates for a more natural and biodegradable approach: using newspaper or cardboard as a barrier before laying down mulch. According to Rodger, spreading newspaper or cardboard directly on the ground before adding mulch effectively suffocates existing weeds and grass. Unlike synthetic fabrics, these materials biodegrade over time, seamlessly integrating into the soil. He noted that while this method is highly effective for most weeds, persistent spreading grasses like Bermuda grass may still find their way through. Rodger also briefly touched upon chemical herbicides and natural alternatives such as salt and boiling water. He advised extreme caution with chemicals, emphasizing the importance of reading labels and wearing protective gear. Regarding boiling water, he expressed personal reservations, citing concerns for beneficial soil organisms and worms. "I over-invest in garden creatures," he quipped, highlighting his commitment to a healthy garden ecosystem.
