Why landscape fabric is often a bad idea for your garden
To be fair, landscape fabric has its place. Unfortunately, it's widely misused in most home landscape applications, where it does more harm than good in ornamental beds and around perennials and crops.
The woven (or sometimes non-woven) synthetic (or sometimes biodegradable) barrier is meant to suppress weeds while allowing water and air to pass through to the soil beneath it. And that's exactly how it works -– for a short time, after which buyer's remorse almost always sets in.
Before long, soil and other organic matter settle on top of the fabric, seeds find their way to the surface, and weeds begin to grow. Since their roots penetrate through the fabric, removing them becomes extremely difficult.
Under the barrier, which restricts water and oxygen from reaching the soil and carbon from escaping, microbes, earthworms and other insects die, fertility declines and roots struggle.
In perennial beds, the fabric creates heat pockets and impedes the spread and self-seeding of plants. In time, the fabric will shift and tear, and attempts to remove it will no doubt make you rue the day you had the bright idea to use it.
Plastic sheeting is even worse, as it completely blocks water and air from reaching the soil, overheats roots and releases microplastics into the ground.
There are exceptions, however. Landscape fabric can be helpful under gravel or stone paths or walkways, where it creates a barrier between the hardscape and the soil below.
It can also help smother grass and weeds when used temporarily to help create a clean slate for future planting beds in areas that are difficult to clear. Still, I recommend using thick layers of newspaper or cardboard instead, as they biodegrade naturally and perform the same function without having to be removed.
When your landscape fabric becomes a torn, weedy, root-tangled mess – and it will — good luck removing it. The painstaking process involves slowly and carefully pulling up individual fragments of the fabric, which will be heavy under the soil, and cutting them away from around and between roots, which will have grown above, below and through the textile.
Instead of shooting yourself in the foot with landscape fabric, opt for an organic mulch like shredded bark, wood chips or straw. It will regulate soil temperature and moisture, nourish the soil as it decomposes and support the soil life that supports your plants.
Wednesdays
Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture.
Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer, keeping it away from trunks and stems, and refresh it when it breaks down. You'll still get a few weeds, but they'll pull up easily, roots and all.
___
Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice.
___
For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
3 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Cheetah cubs destined for the illegal trade in exotic wildlife rescued in Somaliland
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ten cheetah cubs held in captivity since birth and destined for international wildlife trade markets have been rescued in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia Laurie Marker, the founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). which is caring for the cubs, said Wednesday they were all in a stable condition despite all of them having been undernourished and limping due to being tied in captivity for months. She said one 8-month-old cub was unable to walk after been tied up for six months, while a 5-month-old was 'very malnourished (a bag of bones), with sores all over her body and full of botfly maggots which are under the skin.' 'But with cubs like this, we need to start them onto on food slowly due to refeeding syndrome, similar to people in starvation,' she added. Two people who were in possession of the cubs were arrested during a Aug 14 operation in the northern Sallahley District. The authorities have urged the public to report suspected wildlife trade activities. Environment Ministry Director Abdinasir Hussein Said told journalists that the cheetah cubs have joined a group of 109 others rescued in similar operations. Somaliland is a major transit hub for the illegal wildlife trade. Hundreds of cheetahs and leopards from the Horn of Africa have been transported to Gulf countries through the Gulf of Aden. Possession of wildlife is illegal in Somaliland, and police often crack down on suspected traders. 'We encourage the people of Somaliland to protect wildlife in their natural habitats, as their best interests lie there,' said Hussein. 'We can imagine the distress of a mother being separated from her young. 'These animals are currently suffering due to being separated from their mothers, which may lead to the mothers experiencing stress and potentially dying. Once again, we emphasize the importance of protecting wildlife in their habitats.' Conservationists in the Horn of Africa have previously expressed concern over the rise in demand for exotic pets in Gulf countries and the resulting illegal trade affecting ecosystems in Horn of Africa nations. ——- Associated Press journalist Mohamed Sheikh Nor contributed to this report from Mogadishu, Somalia
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
As U.S. Powerball jackpot nears $900 million, can Canadians try their luck?
A person shows their Powerball lottery ticket at a 7-Eleven on Friday, April 5, 2024, in Portland, Ore. The ticket did not win the jackpot. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) The estimated jackpot for this week's U.S. Powerball lottery has surpassed US$643 million (C$891 million), prompting some Canadians to wonder if they're eligible to claim the prize. Here's what to know about the nearly-nine-figure total up for grabs this Wednesday: The Powerball The Powerball is a lottery offered in 45 U.S. states, with jackpots that have historically grown into the billions of dollars. Players select six numbered balls and check their choices against three weekly draws, held each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. After Monday's draw failed to produce a winner, the current jackpot has grown to an estimated US$643 million, paid out over 29 years as an annuity, or in a significantly smaller lump sum, currently valued at US$290.6 million (C$402.7 million). In 2022, the Powerball's highest-ever jackpot reached just over US$2 billion (C$2.78 billion). According to the Multi-State Lottery Association (MSLA), the odds of winning the grand prize are 1 in 292,201,338. Eligibility rules Customers above the minimum age in every U.S. state except for Nevada, Utah, Alabama, Alaska and Hawaii are eligible to play for the jackpot, even if they aren't American citizens or residents. 'Players from jurisdictions where Powerball tickets are not sold, either in the United States or outside the country, when visiting a selling jurisdiction, can purchase Powerball tickets,' the lottery's FAQ page reads. However, Powerball tickets can't be sold across jurisdictional boundaries, online or by mail, so trying your luck will require an in-person trip to one of the participating states. The next draw is Wednesday at 10:59 p.m. EDT. What about taxes? The MSLA notes that Powerball winnings may be subject to 'federal and jurisdictional income taxes,' but the rules get a little more complicated if you're planning on taking your winnings back up north. The good news is that, according to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), 'lottery winnings of any amount' are not reported or taxed, 'unless the prize can be considered income from employment, a business or property, or a prize for achievement.' That said, the CRA warns that if you invest those winnings, income and interest earned off those investments will be taxable, even if the principal amount isn't. As for U.S. taxes, the American Internal Revenue Service says that generally speaking, non-U.S. residents are subject to a tax of 30 per cent on the gross proceeds of gambling winnings, which is withheld by the lottery at the point of payout. In addition to U.S. federal taxes, Canadians may also be subject to state and local taxes, which can vary widely. California, for example, waives its state taxes for lottery winnings, and in Texas and Florida, there are no state income taxes in the first place.
Toronto Sun
4 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Texas can't require the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, judge says
DEAR ABBY: Wife is going it alone dealing with an alcoholic 'Passenger from hell' vomits, spits wine at family during flight to London WARMINGTON: Sleeping man who allegedly defended himself against intruder faces charges Texas can't require the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, judge says Photo by Eric Gay / AP Article content Texas cannot require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, a judge said Wednesday in a temporary ruling against the state's new requirement, making it the third such state law to be blocked by a court. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account or Sign in without password View more offers Article content A group of Dallas-area families and faith leaders sought a preliminary injunction against the law, which goes into effect on Sept. 1. They say the requirement violates the First Amendment's protections for the separation of church and state and the right to free religious exercise. Article content Recommended Videos tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Texas can't require the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, judge says Back to video tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Play Video Article content Texas is the largest state to attempt such a requirement, and U.S. District Judge Fred Biery's ruling from San Antonio is the latest in a widening legal fight that's expected to eventually go before the U.S. Supreme Court. 'Even though the Ten Commandments would not be affirmatively taught, the captive audience of students likely would have questions, which teachers would feel compelled to answer. That is what they do,' Biery wrote in the 55-page ruling that began with quoting the First Amendment and ended with 'Amen.' Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The lawsuit names the Texas Education Agency, state education Commissioner Mike Morath and three Dallas-area school districts as defendants. A federal appeals court has blocked a similar law in Louisiana, and a judge in Arkansas told four districts they cannot put up the posters, although other districts in the state said they're not putting them up either. Although Friday's ruling marked a major win for civil liberties groups who say the law violates the separation of church and state, the legal battle is likely far from over. Religious groups and conservatives say the Ten Commandments are part of the foundation of the United States' judicial and educational systems and should be displayed. Texas has a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds and won a 2005 Supreme Court case that upheld the monument. In Louisiana — the first state that mandated the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms — a panel of three appellate judges in June ruled that the law was unconstitutional. Article content Share this article in your social network Read Next
