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Natural weed suppressing

HeartinthedirtHeartinthedirt Posts: 300
in Problem solving
Enthusiastic, but total novice gardener and first-time poster. Lucky to have a large-ish garden, and have an area that will be lovely as a simple bit of woodland garden. Unfortunately, it's currently covered with very degraded weed suppressant fabric, and many, many weeds. I want to get it covered for winter and kill off as many weeds as I can, but I'm reluctant to use more fabric as I'm not sure if that's just going to leech chemicals into the ground underneath. Any tips on the best, natural way to feed the soil whilst suppressing/killing the weeds (I'm probably aiming way too high there, aren't I?)
It's knowing what to do with things that counts - Robert Frost

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    You're probably better off using weed killer this time of year. And then get on with planting it in the autumn when you can get lots of cheap and easy to plant bare root plants. Don't be overly concerned about "leeching" its not a food production area, 

    Maybe add a few photos to see what level of weeds are we talking about.

    Any well planted area would never have the need for weed suppression fabric, after all that's the natural function of plants...they take over the space before the weeds can. And mulching in winter/early spring is a great way to feed the soil and keep light away from weed seeds that are waiting to germinate. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    (I'm probably aiming way too high there, aren't I?)
    Yes   :)
    There is no short cut. You'll either need to physically dig out all the weeds, which is a never ending job at this time of year in a big area, or use weedkiller. Frankly, a good application of that will do the job more quickly. 
    When they're gone, a thick layer of organic matter will feed the soil and help suppress weeds. Manure, leaf mould, compost, composted bark  etc. 
    Weeds will still get in though, so you'll have to accept that and keep on top of pulling them out until you put plants in.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • HeartinthedirtHeartinthedirt Posts: 300
    Thanks both. Looking at it right now, the weeds are not as bad as they have been at other times but I'm slightly incapacitated from a minor surgery last week so the idea of any weeding at all just makes me want to go for a lie-down! I'll wage war on them when I'm back to fit.
    It's knowing what to do with things that counts - Robert Frost
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    Lay down a layer of decent thick cardboard, overlapping the edges. Cover with mulch (wood-chip is excellent). That'll kill off the weeds and then the cardboard and wood-chip rot down. I cut holes through the cardboard to plant through and give the new plants a good head start for when weeds eventually try sneaking up after the cardboard has rotted.

    If you do go down the weedkiller root then get some new plants in once it's clear, otherwise the weed seeds in the soil will appear with great vigour in the spring.
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