I know this is one I definitely should do soon.. How about you?
Actually putting the plastic down in a way that will last and not allow any light in for the long haul was a little more challenging than it looks.We had to lay down the plastic and carefully dig a trench about 4 inches deep all around the edges, then bury the edges of the plastic.
Somehow, wind was still getting underneath, so we used a combination of some patches of dirt on top and some rounded bricks (to prevent tearing) to hold it down.So far it seems to have done the trick!.So why does it need to stay down for several years?
I’ve actually read some suggestions that have said you only need to smother weeds for a few weeks.Well, we’re going to be leaving it down for 2-3 years.
This is because the weeds need a chance to go through their life cycles and use up all the stored energy they have in their roots.
And our weeds have some big roots.More black plastic covered with some mulch is the plan!.
Edit: I should clarify that after those 2-3 years, the black plastic is coming off to hopefully reveal lots of sad and smothered weeds…and great soil!We’re not just going to plant over top like they do with that landscaping fabric.
Been there, doesn’t work.. Judging by how well the plasticky side of our garden seems to be doing in the weed department, I’m a little tempted to create plastic paths down the centers of all of our rows in the future just to prevent having to weed so much.I won’t, because that would be even weirder than having a plastic half-garden.