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If I cover (thriving) weeds with cardboard and 6-8 inches of soil and compost, will that smother them?
Hi Sue, I built two large raised beds last year, both about 50x50 with 2 paths separating them. I placed a thick layer of newspaper right on top of the grassy weeds that were growing there, then I dumped 12" top soil right on top. I mixed in some compost & away I went planting my new gardens.suelandress said:I wasn't going to disturb them, I wanted to build a raised bed on top of them, without ripping out whats there?
CMATE said:Hi Sue, I built two large raised beds last year, both about 50x50 with 2 paths separating them. I placed a thick layer of newspaper right on top of the grassy weeds that were growing there, then I dumped 12" top soil right on top. I mixed in some compost & away I went planting my new gardens.
It has been so successful, I will be building two more this season. Weeds need sunlight, just like any other plant & as long as it can't get it you're pretty safe.
The wind will always blow weed seeds onto your garden & birds will also, so don't break your neck trying to get rid of them all, as it really is impossible :no:
Using plastic like that 'black plastic', is damaging to the soil, your soil needs air & water too, plastic will smother it; though if your weeds are really bothersome, lay the plastic over the area for a few weeks in full sun, this will "cook" your weeds.
Mulching heavy with straw, wood chips etc, will keep your garden practically 'weed-free' & controllable on what does appear.
Good Luck!![]()
Don Armstrong said:For how long? What weeds?
Basically, yes, for soft fast-growing weeds that depend on overwhelming the opposition. However, if they have built-in reserves (oxalis, nut-grass, onionweed, sedge, others specific to your area) then you'd need to wait a LONG time before disturbing the area again. For REALLY aggressive weeds such as kikuyu or running bamboo, then the answer is no.
However, just slowing them down and weakening them is worth doing too.