May 9th, 2010 | 
Author: I live іn a Boston commune. Thе weeds іn mу garden аrе overwhelming. Anу advice? Wουld putting a ground cover instead οf mulching each year bе better (cost wise аnd work wise)? Whаt ground cover dο уου recommend? sunny areas.
I live іn a Boston commune. Thе weeds іn mу garden аrе overwhelming. Anу advice? Wουld putting a ground cover instead οf mulching each year bе better (cost wise аnd work wise)? Whаt ground cover dο уου recommend? sunny areas.
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Mulching will certainly help. Many honest gardeners cover ground between their plants with black plastic, ancient carpet or wood. But, the ancient fashioned method of hoeing will ultimately result in a cleaner garden as the dormant weed seeds in the soil germinate and no new weed seeds are added. You’d be surprised at how quickly you can run a hoe owing to a garden to clean up the weeds, assuming you have excellent quality tilled soil. Another option (non-organic) is to use a manufactured goods called Preen. This is a weedkiller that acts as a pre-emergent to prevent weeds from growing. Read the instructions carefully, but this will be an incredible help in keeping a clean garden. Keep in mind that allowing the weeds to get out of control will produce an even weedier garden next year.
Before attempting to install a garden you would need to remove the weeds ( manually, chemically or both. ) Count mulch once the weeds are removed will have many benefits: Mulch reduces weed infestations by blocking light to the soil. Mulch improves the soil structure as it breaks down. Mulch reduces fill up evaporation wich inturn reduces the likelyhood of watering garden plants. Mulch adds a finishing touch to any garden making it more complete. Mulch has some disease inhibiting factors/properties that recommend itself in landscape plants. Mulch reduces dust and fill up run-off.
Usually a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is reccomended to apply around landscapes.
You can use mulch in conjunction with a groud cover. if youprefer to use only a grand cover that would be fine also. If the function of the groundcover is going to be used to help surpress weeds then you would need a dense , tough, thick , and quick growing ground cover . Some suggestions would be Rosmarinus prostratus, Ajuga reptans,Juniperus chinensis procumbens, and Juninperus conferta. These ground covers live along time and are very durable.