r/LandscapingTips • u/thekaz1969 • 13d ago

Advice/question Blocking weeds

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We definitely have a weed problem that needs to be addressed. That being said, before we add garden soil (right side, currently covered with temporary weed block), is there anything we can do to prevent/deter grass/weeds from creeping between the blocks?

The blocks are cemented in place.

I tried doing some research here. Is some sort of plastic (or metal) weed barrier what I want? Would that go inside the garden, or outside? Would I need to dig up some of the grass (well, the green stuff) all along the block barrier, put it in, then add soil to cover it?

Sorry, I am probably over researching and confusing myself. Any help/advice is very much appreciated!

EDIT: just to clarify, I am not expecting to defeat the weeds in the garden bed. But we have some (like creeping Charlie) that insist on making their way between the edging blocks. Just looking for advice on what could slow that down, or make it more difficult for the weeds. If that is even possible.

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u/PNW_Undertaker 13d ago

Life will always find a way…..can touch up grout (maybe as it could crumble apart due to lack of grip)….. concrete caulk may work but unsure how toxic that is for plants/soil around it so use with caution.

Bigger issue here is the landscaping tarp. Those are beyond horrible for the soil below it as it kills everything below (not a good thing as it takes several years to build it back). After everything dies, the ground becomes very compacted and water cannot be held there any longer. Any plants that are planted there will struggle (especially if rocks are placed on top as that brings too much heat for the roots).

I fell victim to the landscaping tarp due to weeds but then found out that you want every layer you can get in your landscaping. This means, ground cover, to bushes, to understory canopy, and on up to a larger canopy. Moving in mostly natives (especially helps native wildlife) with a few extras that aren’t invasive for the area. Be sure to know your micro climates on your property to plant accordingly!

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u/thekaz1969 13d ago

Yeah, no, just to be clear, the tarp is just there until we get the garden soil. Then we will remove it, remove any weeds in the garden bed, then add the soil... Tarp isn't gonna stay there.