[jambop]

I am preparing a strawberry bed which I plan to plant out in the autumn. I would like opinions on what is the best material to cover the bed with. I have some quite good quality dark green weed supressing mat which is in a convenient 10m x 1m roll but is black plastic better? I would rather not have to buy plastic sheeting if it can be avoided since I have the woven weed suppresser but if plastic is better for the job then that is obviously the way to go. What is the wise option?

[Yorkie]

Personally I'd avoid a non-woven plastic as it prevents air and water getting down to it, leading to a risk of 'sour' soil.

[jambop]

Personally I'd avoid a non-woven plastic as it prevents air and water getting down to it, leading to a risk of 'sour' soil.

So I will take that as a vote for my woven weed suppresser fabric. I tend to agree as it will also allow water to permeate the fabric whereas plastic sheeting is impervious .

[snowdrops]

I've used the woven membrane in the past for strawberries, it worked well, just watch any runners don't root through it as they're a beggar to get back out, plus it's a good idea to melt the cut edges else the wind frays them