What is a cheap alternative to weed mat garden？
Here are some affordable alternatives to using a weed mat in the garden:
- Cardboard or newspaper – Lay overlapping layers of cardboard, newspaper or brown paper bags under mulch. They will break down over time.
- Landscape fabric scraps – Reuse pieces of an old weed mat or fabric scraps to cover problem weed areas temporarily.
- Mulch – Organic mulches like wood chips, straw or shredded leaves suppress weeds through smothering when applied 2-4 inches deep.
- Grow groundcovers – Fast-spreading plants like clover or vines grown as living mulch out compete weeds naturally.
- Sheet composting – Lay layers of yard waste, weeds and soil amendments directly on the soil surface to kill existing weeds.
- Vinegar or boiling water – Applying undiluted vinegar or very hot water to existing weed growth causes thermal shock and kills roots.
- Tarps – Cover bare soil with a tarp for 4-6 weeks to cook weed seeds before planting through holes.
- Dense plantings – Crowding garden beds with desired plants leaves little space for weeds to establish.
- Regular cultivation – Hoe or hand pull weeds before they go to seed through the growing season.
Choosing an organic, reusable or DIY option works well as a temporary or low-cost alternative to commercial landscape fabrics.
