"Rupert (W.Yorkshire)" wrote in message
...

"Mike Lyle" wrote in message
ups.com...

George.com wrote:
"Someone Here" wrote in message
. uk...
I think we need a clear idea of what the barrier layer is intended to
do. If it's a temporary measure intended to kill off a particular
infestation, and which will be taken away after a few months or a year,
carpet could do it, though not as well as impervious stout black
plastic. I've done it with black poly, and indeed cardboard, and it
worked OK. George's suggestion of old felt underlay is a good one:
nasty to work with in dry weather, of course, as it'll be full of dust
-- you need to be sure it's totally light-proof, though.

If it's meant to be permanent, well, I have my doubts about all these
measures. Synthetic carpet will soon enough gain a crop of rather
unhappy but determined weeds on _top_, and weeding will surely be
harder than simply hoeing a patch of soil. Impervious plastic must be
bad for the long-term health of the soil. For the "official" anti-weed
membranes, I'd like to hear from people who've had them down for five
years or mo did they get fed up of the sight of them? If they were
covered with shingle or bark chippings, did weeds take hold on top as I
predicted for carpet? Etc?

I don't claim certain knowledge on the subject, as I've only tried this
kind of thing for particular limited aims; but I can't help wondering
if these "labour-saving" measures are just another idea thrown up by
the instant horticulture fad, and if in fact plain old _gardening_ is
less work overall. After some time, getting non-degradable stuff _out_
again when you want to is going to be a nightmare.

--
Mike.

One area on which I used black polythene and gravel was very successful
for
about a year. It is now the very best area for germination of even quite
difficult plants:-)
The rest of the garden is mulched with plants. No visible soil means
little
or no weeds.

My method too!
I once had membrane down for about 10 years in the fruit cage between the
bushes but eventually removed it because although the total quantity of
weeds may have been reduced, docks and dandelions hogweed and many more
managed to get through it and were then impossible to remove, I think using
temporary compostable barriers much better.
--
Charlie, gardening in Cornwall.
http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of National Plant Collection of Clematis viticella (cvs)