[andyww2013]

Hi,

Looking back on this year the weeds beat me.

Next year I am going to try using weed fabric, cut holes into it and plant through them.

The stuff I will get is advertised as breathable and permuble but I worry that it might create a environment that allows pests and fungal disease to thrive.

Does anyone have experience of using this method?  Did it work or did it swap one problem (weeds) for another (increase in pests and/or disease)

Thanks.

[jambop]

I suppose it could be different from on plant type to another but I have grown my strawberries that way without any problem at all.

[rowlandwells]

we have always grew our strawberries in breathable groundcover and they have cropped very well I have also grew onions the same way but I found the did slightly better planted out in the open ground but I know people who do grow there veg in breathable groundcover and they have very good results it also supresses the weeds

I'm told if you prepare the ground well before planting then there's no problem and remember as its breathable you can still use a liquid feed so it feeds the plants not the weeds

[mumofstig]

I grow fruit bushes, strawberries, brassicas, onions, leeks, sweetcorn, courgettes and winter squash/pumpkins all through weed control fabric, with no problems. You will get slugs unless you use pellets or traps - but I don't think there are any more than in my uncovered beds.
Make sure you buy the heavy duty 100gpsqm woven fabric (the cheaper kinds degrade very quickly, so not worth it in the long run) Some of mine must be about 10 years old now.