I mulch exclusively with straw on my raised beds because it’s available to me. It’s a great weed barrier, keeps in the moisture and as it breaks down, gives back to the soil. We till beds every 3-4 years - just lightly; don’t want to disturb my hard-working Earthworms, you know!
I weed as needed and it’s usually not too much of a problem if I stay ahead of it. Sometimes I will get some Timothy Grass seed in with the straw - because that’s what it’s made from. So, I’ll get a tuft of grass here and there, but it pulls out easily.
My Mom came up with the BRILLIANT idea of laying sheets of roofing shingles between the rows of raised beds as a weed barrier and that is working really well. Cardboard works, but is SLIPPERY when wet, so not so good, and it breaks down too fast for me. I used some plywood before, but that tends to curl up when dry, so it becomes a trip hazard. There are still a few weeds that come up between shingles and the edges of the beds, but they’re easy enough to slice off with a hoe or blast with some sat & vinegar or Round-up if they REALLY won’t go away.
I need another pack of shingles to finish the job; been asking around to find an old pack in someones barn so I don’t have to pay for a new stack of them! ;)
The shingles are a great idea. I love your raised bed setup. That’s my dream someday. For now I’m old school. I have tried cardboard between rows, I may need to think about doing that again.
Thank you Diana! It is good to have options and your way is a good one! Almost Ruth Stark!
Asphalt Shingles; mother knows best, you have good footing!
Any roofing companies or local carpenters in the area who might sell or give you a broken pack? They usually leave the overage with the homeowner! See if they know any one!