Mulching!

Wizzfizz · 20 Jun 2013 at 18:08

I'm looking to apply quite a bit of mulch around my parent's garden (borders & centres) it's mainly to help suppress weeds from growing.

Being the amateur gardener, i'm wondering which is the best mulch type to use? one that will last some years, yet doesn't cost a fortune?

Is it worth putting down some landscape fabric before applying the mulch?

Here is a pic of said garden. Excuse the lawn that's in the process of being fixed.

Apologies for the poor picture but i'm sure you get the idea of the task in hand.

Any advice would be welcome.

WillyNelson · 21 Jun 2013 at 10:46

Is it going to be mulch between planting or are you not having any planting in those beds?

For between planting you could go for something like bark chippings. It's relativley inexpensive and will break down over a few years to feed the soil. If you're not planting (or having minimal fixed planting) then a decorative gravel or stone chips would be more appropriate.

If you're using stone then a membrane is a must.

Wizzfizz · 21 Jun 2013 at 11:24

No there won't be any planting in the beds, other than what's already there.

They are looking for a more permanent fix, so I thinking that stone would be the better option?

I've been reading up about landscape fabric on a few garden forums, a lot of people saying that it doesn't really work, or it starts to decompose over a time, or weeds do eventually get through (how does this happen if the sunlight is blocked?). I don't want this to be the case really especially if we go the stone route.

Where's the best place to buy stones in bulk online? I'm taking Wickes or some place like that?

Cheers

valve90210 · 21 Jun 2013 at 11:38

Try looking into Terram geotextile fabric, it's what I've been advised to use on my front garden where I'm doing a some slightly different work but apparently it doesn't break down etc.

Might find you are better off finding a local company to supply the gravel etc, there's more than likely at least a couple in your area.

gort · 21 Jun 2013 at 16:40

Wizzfizz said:
I've been reading up about landscape fabric on a few garden forums, a lot of people saying that it doesn't really work, or it starts to decompose over a time, or weeds do eventually get through (how does this happen if the sunlight is blocked?). I don't want this to be the case really

Cheers

I have membrane with gravel on top; it is at least 8 years old (was there when I moved in.) The membrane is still fully intact and doing its job at preventing anything from coming through.
However, over time, organic matter (soil) has built up in between the gravel and on top of the membrane and seeds have been able to grow as they are able to root themselves in.
They just need the occasional pulling up or a spray of Weedol.