Re: Using Landscaping Cloth

In a message dated 10/7/2007 12:03:29 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
jgcrump@cox.net writes:

<<there are several kinds of landscaping cloth on the  
market.>>
 
Steve, 
 
My best results with paths is to use the regular black plastic.  I  bought 
the 3 X 50 foot rolls.  Without mulch, they deteriorate in the sun  during the 
second summer.  Need to be replaced every other year.  
 
But you have free stuff! Or at least cheap.  
 
Landscaping fabric-I've used the types found at Lowe's & Wal  Mart.  I've 
experience with at least two different types with widely  different results.  
Unfortunately, I can't remember brand names at this  point.  
 
Let me preface this by saying that the instructions indicate that you are  
supposed to cover the landscape cloth with mulch.  My memory says 2-3  inches, 
but I'm not sure.  
 
My experience was using it in the beds, not paths, and WITHOUT mulch.  
 
Soft textured fabric-seedlings planted through the fabric.  Within 3  months 
the fabric had disintegrated from rain and sun.  Had I covered the  fabric 
with mulch, I would not have known how useless the fabric became.   It was a 
mess.  I "think" this was the stuff from Wal-Mart branded under  Good 
Housekeeping, but I really can't say for sure.  
 
Hard textured fabric-used the same way as the soft textured-this one held  
together for 2 years.  The fabric retained such integrity that it was  necessary 
to enlarge (cut) the fabric to allow expansion of the  plants.  I usually 
have a paring knife handy anyway, since it is  required in most of my iris 
activities.  I often sever rhizomes in the  spring in anticipation of a later dig.  
 
Both types of fabric allowed rain to penetrate.  The solid plastic  didn't 
let moisture through, but channels it on down to the next bed.  
 
With a really thick mulch, you wouldn't really need the fabric!  


 
________________________________________________________
Betty W.  in South-central KY Zone 6 ---If you don't cross them, you can't 
plant them!  
Bridge In Time Iris Garden@website:
Some seedlings planted and some still  in the pots! 
_www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/_ 
(http://www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/) 
_Reblooming Iris - Home Page_ (http://www.rebloomingiris.com/)  
_iris-photos archives_ (http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-photos/)  
_iris-talk archives_ (http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-talk/)  
_AIS: American Iris Society website_ (http://www.irises.org/)   






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