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Best Weed membrane for raised beds and low maintenance gardening

#1 · 1st September 2022, 1:58 pm

Hi Lee

What is the best weed membrane to use in a raised bed that is going to be topped with pebbles for a minimal flower bed that will not require any weeding?

#2 · 1st September 2022, 5:53 pm

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 1st September 2022, 5:53 pm
Hi Marshal K
Thats a really good question and a lot of new gardeners hear about weed membrane and are sold from the get go. What’s not to love… a product that stops weeds. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s not the best idea for wildlife gardeners
What is weed membrane?
Weed membrane is a layer of material, usually plastic based, that’s rolled out a bit like carpet onto a garden surface like soil or subsoil to then layer either gravel or chippings on top.
If you’ve read my stance in artificial grass in the garden you’ll know that I’m not a fan of excess or unnecessary plastic
What’s the problem with weed membrane?
As it’s usually made from plastic, weed membranes don’t break down on the soil. They are a permanent addition to your living breathing garden. Meaning you have a layer of semi-breathable plastic that prevents it just weeds but helpful earthworms, insects and other bacteria from doing what they need to do to keep the soil healthy.
The heavy-duty weed membrane made from woven plastic also falls to bits like ribbons when cut which then get stuck in the ground and cannot be easily recycled. They get stuck in tools and are a real pest for wildlife. I’ve even seen them on birds nests sadly.
Does weed membrane even work?
The honest truth is not really. They prevent weeds from the ground from germinating for a short while but won’t stop weed seeds from germinating above ground. They’re sold as a low-maintenance fix but they actually harm wildlife and don’t really do their job to stop weeds!
What are the alternatives to weed membrane/landscape fabric?
There are some biodegradable membranes like felt and organic material like thin paper/cotton that can help prevent weeds from the ground germinating that then break down after a year or so. This means you’re only dealing with the weed seeds that land. They’re less harmful to the environment than the thick plastic matting.
The best alternative to weed membrane is actually free; it’s cardboard.
Simply lay cardboard down on the soil where you would otherwise put membrane. Lay your chippings or pebbles on top and there you go. A barrier for established weeds that will eventually break down. Meaning less work. Best of all it’s usually free (think of all those delivery boxes).
Since I’m being honest though I’d ask why you want such a low fuss raised bed when you could actually plant a huge variety of relatively easy going herbaceous perennials and shrubs that can help our native wildlife in these troubled times. Even a row of autumn or winter flowering shrubs can help bees and insects. All with little intervention from you once established!
Food for thought perhaps?
Happy gardening
Lee

Hi Marshal K

Thats a really good question and a lot of new gardeners hear about weed membrane and are sold from the get go. What’s not to love… a product that stops weeds. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s not the best idea for wildlife gardeners

What is weed membrane?

Weed membrane is a layer of material, usually plastic based, that’s rolled out a bit like carpet onto a garden surface like soil or subsoil to then layer either gravel or chippings on top.

If you’ve read my stance in artificial grass in the garden you’ll know that I’m not a fan of excess or unnecessary plastic

What’s the problem with weed membrane?

As it’s usually made from plastic, weed membranes don’t break down on the soil. They are a permanent addition to your living breathing garden. Meaning you have a layer of semi-breathable plastic that prevents it just weeds but helpful earthworms, insects and other bacteria from doing what they need to do to keep the soil healthy.

The heavy-duty weed membrane made from woven plastic also falls to bits like ribbons when cut which then get stuck in the ground and cannot be easily recycled. They get stuck in tools and are a real pest for wildlife. I’ve even seen them on birds nests sadly.

Does weed membrane even work?

The honest truth is not really. They prevent weeds from the ground from germinating for a short while but won’t stop weed seeds from germinating above ground. They’re sold as a low-maintenance fix but they actually harm wildlife and don’t really do their job to stop weeds!

What are the alternatives to weed membrane/landscape fabric?

There are some biodegradable membranes like felt and organic material like thin paper/cotton that can help prevent weeds from the ground germinating that then break down after a year or so. This means you’re only dealing with the weed seeds that land. They’re less harmful to the environment than the thick plastic matting.

The best alternative to weed membrane is actually free; it’s cardboard.

Simply lay cardboard down on the soil where you would otherwise put membrane. Lay your chippings or pebbles on top and there you go. A barrier for established weeds that will eventually break down. Meaning less work. Best of all it’s usually free (think of all those delivery boxes).

Since I’m being honest though I’d ask why you want such a low fuss raised bed when you could actually plant a huge variety of relatively easy going herbaceous perennials and shrubs that can help our native wildlife in these troubled times. Even a row of autumn or winter flowering shrubs can help bees and insects. All with little intervention from you once established!

Food for thought perhaps?

Happy gardening

Lee