Complete ground covering-is this the cheapest way

[Rosyred]

I've been using card board this summer only thing is i've had to lift so that the water can get to the soil so easier to dig other than that it been perfect and free.

[Rosyred]

[dingerbell]

Surely Green Manure has to be the choice,
Cheap :)
Total ground cover :)
Improves soil, next years harvest and retains moisture. :)
Good for garden organisms and Lottie wildlife :)
No brainer really  ;D ;D

[supersprout]

Spoiled hay/straw, veg waste and leaves?

Free :)
Total ground cover :)
Improves soil, next years harvest and retains moisture :)
Good for garden organisms and Lottie wildlife :)
No digging in or scything! ;D

[powerspade]

I use green manures and cardboard box's  both are eventually dug in

[davy1]

Ground cover is a personal preference. I don't think you achieve much by using polythene, cardboard,straw or green manures. There is always something that will grow under it and all you achieve is giving that weed a greater root system especially Nettles, Thistle, Mares tail, and Witton Grass and as some weeds seeds can lay dormant for up to seven years some will always come back. The best garden cover is yourself and garden fork Turning over and picking the weeds out then burning them off Kiln style. After that keep on top with the push hoe.
My only ground cover is the leaves from my veg. This way i am putting some thing back into the ground.
Also ground cover does not allow any trace elements left in the soil to be washed out. Its very attractive to slugs and snails. Then it has to be taken up and disposed of or stored away.
If some one told you gardening is easy they lied.

Davy