Groundcover fabrics
Groundcover fabrics are useful for weed suppression in the short to long term. There are a number of different materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Spun materials
Usually made from plastic fibres that are bonded together to form a sheet. Can be used in most situations, but they are best covered with a protective mulch of bark or gravel.
Advantages
Lightweight and easy to cut. It does not fray along cut edges, so it is simple to make planting holes. They are usually very porous, allowing water to reach the roots.
Disadvantages
Cheaper versions are not long lasting and can ruck, providing folds where soil accumulates and weeds grow. Tougher versions, such as Plantex, are expensive.
Woven materials
Sheets woven from plastic strands. Can be used as a temporary cover, or for the medium-term on beds and borders.
Advantages
Available in different grades, varying in toughness, weight and durability. Woven materials do not need covering with mulch, although it improves their appearance.
Disadvantages
Usually heavier to work with than spun materials and the cut edges fray. Different grades of landscape fabric vary in toughness, weight and durability.
Plastic sheeting
Choose black sheeting to suppress weeds for short periods or in areas of the garden where appearances doesn’t matter.
Advantages
Cheap and easy to cut with a knife or scissors.
Disadvantages
It is not porous, so the ground can dry out underneath, and rain will puddle on the surface, but can be alternated with strips of woven or spun materials. Pricking holes in the surface to allow water through can provide an opportunity for weeds to grow.