ground cover

[Pompeylottie]

It's been ages since I've posted on here; I'm after advice please; I'mthinking of using an old, dark coloured, large quilted bedspread (pre-duvet days), as ground cover over the winter to help keep down the weeds. Will this work or will it just go mouldy and fall apart?
Thank you

[Veggielot]

Should work all though it will go a bit manky, if it looks like it is starting to rot you could take it up. I would suggest trying to get holdvof so carboard instead probably work better and you don't need to worry about it rotting, it will but it won't do any harm. You could try your lock bike shop/electical retailer for some.

[Pompeylottie]

Thanks Veggie lot, I'll try some cardboard I think this year, I just cant bear to throw anything away, lots of stuff from the house finds it way to the plot - we have some very odd looking plant supports!

[veggiechicken]

The problem with fabric is that its horrible to remove - wet slimy, soggy and what do you do with it then? If its wool or cotton you have a chance of it biodegrading, but if its manmade and stuffed with.......erm stuffing, it'll be revolting.

[Tripmeup]

Could be messy when it gets wet and muddy, not to mention snow...!!
.. though the weeds will be nice and snug under the bedspread

[Jeanied]

You be better using it as a compost bin duvet - folded and encased in black plastic bought by the metre in the garden centre- sealed in with black duct tape. Cardboard is much better on the soil.

[Pompeylottie]

looks like the old man was right! he wanted to get rid of it! I'll stick to the cardboard - I think there's somewhere round here that buys fabrics for re-using/recycling, or charity shops. Thanks everyone.

[Two_Sheds]

I'mthinking of using an old, dark coloured, large quilted bedspread

Nope. It isn't going to be a close enough weave to exclude light. It won't work