raised bed vegetable gardening - Ask Extension
Hi there,
I have 3 raised beds in Rifle, CO, and I would like to learn more about mulching to keep moisture in longer. I have a soaker hose system...
Knowledgebase
raised bed vegetable gardening #862936
Asked March 31, 2024, 4:52 PM EDT
Hi there,
I have 3 raised beds in Rifle, CO, and I would like to learn more about mulching to keep moisture in longer. I have a soaker hose system that I will be setting up a few inches below the surface of the soil. Would landscaping fabric be an option to keep the moisture in? If not, what types of mulch are good options?
Thanks,
Michelle
Garfield County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Michelle,
I apologize for the delay, I was away at a conference this week. I would use a woven weed barrier (some examples: fabric mulch). Or you could use a plastic mulch film as well (some examples: mulch films). They are readily available online and there are some that come with pre-cut holes for planting. You can reuse woven weed barrier fabric for several years and it does not get super hot like black plastic mulch films. Covering your crops with row cover also helps conserve water in vegetable crops (some examples: row cover). Some other good mulch options for vegetables are outlined in this article: Mulches for the Vegetable Garden.
Thank you for using AskExtension!
- Denyse
I apologize for the delay, I was away at a conference this week. I would use a woven weed barrier (some examples: fabric mulch). Or you could use a plastic mulch film as well (some examples: mulch films). They are readily available online and there are some that come with pre-cut holes for planting. You can reuse woven weed barrier fabric for several years and it does not get super hot like black plastic mulch films. Covering your crops with row cover also helps conserve water in vegetable crops (some examples: row cover). Some other good mulch options for vegetables are outlined in this article: Mulches for the Vegetable Garden.
Thank you for using AskExtension!
- Denyse
Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate your help!
I think the woven weed barrier is what I would want to try. Is it recommended to put down before I plant seeds if I will direct sow into the ground? Obviously I'd have to cut holes that way, but would it also be possible to just cut the fabric into pieces to put between plants? I guess I'm wondering the pros and cons of covering large areas at a time or cutting it to fit smaller areas. I'm also thinking about how to cover areas that would have larger plants like tomatoes or squash.
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
If you are direct seeding in rows, you could cut long strips of fabric to place between the rows. I think it is a little easier to put the strips of woven weed barrier down first and then plant but you could do it the other way around too. If you are planting transplants, I would put down the fabric, then use a scalpel/box cutter to cut holes in the fabric where you want to plant the transplants. You could this with larger plants that you are direct seeding like summer squashes as well. Landscape staples are very helpful for holding the woven weed barrier in place.
Thank you for using AskExtension!
- Denyse
If you are direct seeding in rows, you could cut long strips of fabric to place between the rows. I think it is a little easier to put the strips of woven weed barrier down first and then plant but you could do it the other way around too. If you are planting transplants, I would put down the fabric, then use a scalpel/box cutter to cut holes in the fabric where you want to plant the transplants. You could this with larger plants that you are direct seeding like summer squashes as well. Landscape staples are very helpful for holding the woven weed barrier in place.
Thank you for using AskExtension!
- Denyse
