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Weed membrane

Zahid_63cZahid_63c Posts: 121
in Problem solving
I am making a slightly raised garden bed in both sides of turf 
Which will have topsoil and then either compost/stones/slates(haven't decided yet
In this case where wil weed membrane go 
On ground level or in top of topsoil i.e between topsoil and whatever goes on top 
If I plant in future will the weed membrane not give me issues? 
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Posts

  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    If you could show us some photos, that would help explain what you are trying to do.  Usually membrane goes on the very top layer of soil or compost.  You can lay it around existing plants, or cut holes in the membrane into which you can plant your plants.  You might be trying to do something completely different, so photos would help.
  • Zahid_63cZahid_63c Posts: 121

  • Zahid_63cZahid_63c Posts: 121
    If I intended to do something like this 
    Slightly higher finishing off with decorative stone or compost 
    Where would membrane go?also any suggestions on what to put at top
    It's not a really big garden and I have young children 
    Do love the look of white stone but do they even stay the colour they look in photos!? 
  • Butterfly66Butterfly66 Posts: 970
    Usually the weed membrane goes  on top of your soil, immediately under the stones/gravel. It does help reduce weeds but eventually breaks down over time and weeds will grow through any cuts you through it to plant anything. 
     If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero
    East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
  • Zahid_63cZahid_63c Posts: 121
    Thanks
    Any other suggestions on stopping weeds coming through? 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Weed membrane is horrible stuff IMHO.

    It won't stop wind blown weeds germinating on top of it, however,it stops worms being able to reach the surface and doing their work.
     
    It's also made of spun polypropylene, ie plastic, and it breaks down in time so you're just adding plastic to your soil. 
    Devon.
  • Zahid_63cZahid_63c Posts: 121
    Hmmm interesting...but I really don't want to be pulling out weeds constantly...been doing for so many years... :) 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    you'll be pulling weeds out of the gravel on top of the membrane, and the gravel or whatever dressing you use,  will make a lovely toilet for local cats.
    Devon.
  • Zahid_63cZahid_63c Posts: 121
    So how should I go about doing this then? 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Gardens involve input.
    Why not encourage the kids to go out weeding with you? Make it fun, make it educational.
    You'll all feel much more in tune with the garden and I'm pretty sure you'll derive more pleasure from it if you've " done something " rather than just looking at it.
    Devon.
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