[Tortoisebex]

Hi

I am thinking of doing some raised beds in half of my plot as I am fed up of fighting against the weeds inc mares tail!!
What would you recommend as a weed suppressant to use ? Can I use a tarpaulin ? Or is a proper weed membrane better?
Any advice gratefully received

[mumofstig]

marestail will grow through them all eventually - IMO you might just as well keep hoeing, sorry but it's true!

[grinling]

Keep digging it out as it will lessen, it has spored this year (march/april), don't compost but burn roots, but keep removing it. It survives very well when covered.

[CDave]

It survives under 3x2 paving (I lifted some yesterday that had been in place for 4 years) and the spears are sharp so will just puncture your membrane. Keep hoeing and digging. Might be soul destroying at first but over time, it will make a difference. Mares tail doesn't seem to harm veg plants either. Good luck.

[cadalot]

I have been truly amazed at what has managed to grow through a blue tarp covered in 2 - 3 feet of wood chips that I have not used yet 

[wil4025]

Adding loads of compost will help, ive also added a layer on bottom on cardboard.