Three Tips For A Weed-Free Flower Bed
A well groomed flower bed requires the right supplies. Otherwise weeds and grass will make the beds look overgrown and unkempt in no time. Fortunately, with a little bit of planning when you design your beds you can avoid much of the hard work of fighting the weeds later. The following tips can help you choose the right supplies for the job.
Tip #1: Edge your beds
One of the best choices you can make is to edge in your flower beds. Edging gives the beds a tidy, finished look. It also prevents grass from invading. When choosing edging, select a variety with an edge that can be buried at least 4 inches deep while still protruding at least 2 inches above the soil. This way other roots are also blocked from growing into the bed. Vinyl edging works well, but you can also partially bury landscape timbers or even bricks for the same effect. It also helps to keep the lawn trimmed short along the edging, simply so the grass doesn't develop seed heads and drop them into the bed.
Tip #2: Use a liner
A weed liner is another trick to a weed-free garden bed. You have two choices – plastic or fabric. Plastic liners are best for temporary use, so place them in beds where you grow annuals. Water can't penetrate plastic, though, so you will need to install irrigation lines beneath it. Fabric is meant for semi-permanent use as it can last for several years, so place it in perennial beds. Simply lay it flat against the soil and then cut small holes to plant through. You can use U-shaped garden stakes to hold it down along the edges.
Tip #3: Pick a mulch
You don't want to leave soil exposed, since weeds will quickly take root. Liners are also unattractive if not covered. This is where mulch comes to the rescue. An organic mulch, like wood chips, bark nuggets, or pine straw, is an all-purpose provider in a flower bed. It covers ugly liners or bare soil, suppresses weed growth, conserves soil moisture, and provides insulation to plant roots. Pick the variety that you like most for its aesthetic value, and then spread it to a 2 or 3 inch depth over all the bare ground in your beds.
For more help designing and managing your flower beds, talk to a landscaper or a landscape supply center.