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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: schmelda on April 19, 2011, 08:26:45

Title: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: schmelda on April 19, 2011, 08:26:45
Hi all,

I've had to make a difficult decision... I'm not going to manage to cultivate my entire plot this first year  :(  I've covered most of the area that I am leaving alone with black matting, and will leave it now until next spring.  However, I'm needing to buy some more as I ran out!  Has anyone seen any good deals on the stuff?

Thanks, Kelda
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: chriscross1966 on April 19, 2011, 09:27:20
If you can't find any in Aldi/Lidl/Netto then ebay will probably be your best bet..

chrisc
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: raisedbedted on April 19, 2011, 10:57:12
I would beware.

Cheap weed supressing membrane allows couch etc to puncture through it.  The effect is that it still gets weedy and that the weeds become intertwined with the membrane.  I would either use decent stuff or use thick black platic sheeting - I once bought a piece 60 feet by 30 feet and 10 years on its still going strong.
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: brownowl23 on April 19, 2011, 11:51:23
wickes blue tarpaulins, at a tenner for one 4m x 5m as a suggestion. im going to use one as a groundsheet for camping. might get a second for weed supressing before and after digging in winter.
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: Buster54 on April 20, 2011, 04:14:20
Check the GSM grade its like paper the bigger the number the thicker it is
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: Allotment-junkie on April 20, 2011, 07:35:11
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2M-x-40M-Driveway-Path-Weed-Control-Ground-Cover-Fabric-/120610347132?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Plants_Weed_Pest_Control_CV&hash=item1c14efd87c

I got some of this off ebay from a Lincolnshire farmer for a Fiver a roll it was Used but good stuff will last for years

If you do get some remember to use a Warmed up knife to cut it otherwise it frays  :D
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: Buster54 on April 20, 2011, 14:23:33
I cut mine with a gas soldering iron  ;)
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: Melbourne12 on April 20, 2011, 14:26:22
Quote from: schmelda on April 19, 2011, 08:26:45
Hi all,

I've had to make a difficult decision... I'm not going to manage to cultivate my entire plot this first year  :(  I've covered most of the area that I am leaving alone with black matting, and will leave it now until next spring.  However, I'm needing to buy some more as I ran out!  Has anyone seen any good deals on the stuff?

Thanks, Kelda

We buy ours from http://www.lbsgardenwarehouse.co.uk/Weed-Control-Fabric-PRDWCF1/

We buy a whole roll (quite an investment, I know), but one roll lasts for years even on 15 poles!
Title: Re: Black Weed Resistance Matting
Post by: schmelda on April 20, 2011, 21:41:51
I only need about 7x1m at the moment, and I'm trying to limit the amount I spend this year, so I'm thinking I'll drop into Aldi on my way to Wilkos.  I know that Wilkos will sell 25m for £14 (which is pretty decent stuff from what I can tell - there was plenty in the shed when I took on the plot!).  If Aldi have any that beat that then I'll get it there.  Thanks for the tips all  :)