Weed Membranes - Worth It?

[Cramlington567]

I removed turf, to create a new border.

Mistake number one was not digging deep enough when removing turf so there are some buts of grass growing back in the border already and I have put 5 or 6 small plants in already.

Should I lay a weed fabric membrane? I would then cover with bark chippings.

I accept some weeds will get through and it is not perfect but wouldn't it make things a lot easier and make weeding much easier?

I heard they hold moisture but can start to smell after years and make it difficult for the soil to breathe. Any experiences with that?

My vision is that it would work well for a few years and by then the border will be well established with plants filling the spaces so weeds will be less of an issue but also that it is the first few years where, if you do a good job, of controlling weeds it becomes so much easier.

I heard some people say cardboard and newspapers are better because they will work for a couple of years but then rot into the soil where as the membrane just becomes smelly and sodden.

Finally, anyone use weed killer on the weeds before applying membrane (would cover the existing plants before spraying?

Keen to hear your experiences.

I don't in a border because I like to fill every bit of earth with plants. I've got perennials but put annuals in the gaps and just hoe every few days. However under a tree I use membrane and bark.

If you've only got 5 or 6 plants in then I would take them out and weed the area thoroughly since this was your original mistake. You would have to take them out to fit the membrane properly anyway. You don't need to, but my goodness its a faff if you don't. Once properly dug and replanted I would do a deep mulch which will stop weeds, help new plants with moisture retention and feed the soil for several years.

If you were wanting to use gravel, or want a non weedy/non plant area such as under a hedge then definitely use a membrane.

I am thinking of going down the cardboard approach which will hopefully help for a year or two until the plants can fill the space.

yes, @orangeflags, it may take a year or two but I am thinking to get some ground cover plants to outcompete the weeds and fill those spaces. Any ideas, preferably something that would look ok in winter too. Creeping phlox or something.

I know the internet you can find every opinion but this for example put me off the membrane:

Not in a border I think it causes more problems in the long run with weeds running underneath it.

My approach has been to weed relatively thoroughly. Then plant more densely than advised - with the view that I'll move stuff round when it's outgrown the space, and also sown some annual seeds to fill the gaps, so something like calendula that is pretty easy to recognise as seedlings, or forget me nots (some people think they are a week, but I like them). And let them grow up to hide the bare earth. Also lots of bark mulch, thickly on any bare ground - but leave the stems of shrubs clear.

Then it's not too much of a job to do a 20 minute weed at the weekend and keep on top of it.

If you absolutely hate gardening, and know you'll never touch the bed again - then very heavy duty membrane will do it - but be aware that weeds will grow in the mulch....

Better advice is plant densely to crowd out the weeds and take a little and often approach so weeds don't take hold.

Also...lots of weeds are very bee friendly.