Use Landscape Fabric or Plastic Mulch

Lay landscape fabric or black plastic sheeting over prepared garden beds before planting. Cut X-shaped holes at planting spots for transplants. Anchor edges with fabric staples or heavy objects to prevent wind displacement.

Why It Works

These materials create a physical barrier that blocks 100% of light from reaching the soil, preventing weed germination entirely. Black plastic also raises soil temperature by 5-8°F, benefiting warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers. Landscape fabric allows rain penetration, while plastic requires drip irrigation underneath.

Tips

• Use landscape fabric for perennial beds and plastic mulch for annual vegetable rows
• Remove plastic at season's end to prevent soil degradation and microplastic buildup
• Overlap fabric seams by at least 6 inches to block weeds at the joints