Do I use something on ground before adding 'Mel's mix?'

20 years ago

My husband just completed one of my raised beds. We made them 18" high...because we're adding a topper so we can sit on them. We're adding regular garden soil with some sod (upside down) to the bottom of the raised beds...to the point of about 8" below the top of the bed. Then, I'm going to add the Mel's mix. Should I put landscape fabric, plastic or newspapers on top of the regular garden soil before adding the Mel's mix?

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Comments (4)

username_5
20 years ago
There is no need to put anything on the soil assuming you will be adding at least a few inches of mix. That will prevent growth of anything that might be in the soil.

Definitely don't use plastic as that will inhibit root growth of your plants and create a drainage problem.

If you wish you can use newspaper between the yard soil and mix. It is not at all necessary, but it makes for a good way to get rid of those newspapers other than sending them to a landfill. Worms love the papers.
Demeter
20 years ago
No need to put in any barrier. The roots will be happy with lots of room to grow, and the worms will be able to commute throughout the bed.
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Ray Scheel
20 years ago
It depends on your native weeds. I've got some that can come up through 6" of fill if I don't line the bottom with newspaper or cardboard.
fair0906
20 years ago
Double layer of cardboard. It kept most of the dandelions from breaking through. Some made it though. I dug them up. Through two layers of cardboard and 8" of mix!