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Bethlehem CT

I am thinking about using landscape fabric as a mulch for weed control. How do you get vines to root through the fabric and into the soil underneath? Or do you not worry about rooting the vines?

3/26/2011 8:37:07 AM

El Paso TX.

It's been awhile since I used it but I believe the roots will find their way through the fabric -- It is designed so that water etc. will drain through the fabric and roots will grow through the fabric from the top down but will not go the other direction which keeps the weeds from growing through it. Which is why you need to make sure you place it correct side up when putting it down.

3/26/2011 9:29:12 AM

Cleveland, Tenn

For years I have been using the type of ground cover used in nurseries to display thier plants on. I have found vine roots growing through fabric when I pulled the plants in the fall. Water and air go through but provides complete weed block.It comes in 300 ft. rolls up to 15 ft wide and lasts for years.

3/26/2011 3:04:45 PM

Muddy Waters

I would cut a small hole in fabric at leaf joint & place a small amount of soil or compost so it can root,It is important for some of these leaves to root.I think some may disagree,but my plants seem to root at most every leaf.

3/26/2011 8:42:15 PM

formerly RGG

I haven't been able to root vines in past years as I have been growing on plastic.I am very interested in seeing how well I can get them to root this year.I am sure it well help in getting the melons to grow larger.I will probably be using landscape fabric which I have already purchased and I am planning on doing as Mark has recommended.

3/26/2011 8:54:33 PM

Ohio

Depends on what fabric you use.I belive the fabric Cap is talkin about, is more of a weaved material. the fabric or weed block you can get in the box stores "i dont think" will let the root through. We used the fabric cap is talkin about in the greenhouses. Maybe the Coleman brothers can chime in, i belive they have greenhouses.

Danny Reeb

3/26/2011 9:45:44 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Wow...learn somethin new!!! Never knew that landscape fabric had a top & bottom??? cap, or anyone...any link to this specific product? Peace, Wayne

3/26/2011 11:48:23 PM

Bethlehem CT

The landscape fabric that I have looks like black felt. I had bought it for a drainage project. I used it to keep the "fines" out of the crushed stone I used around the perforated drainage pipe. Is that the same stuff you guys are thinking of?

3/27/2011 7:41:01 AM

Corryton, TN

BM, I think that is geo tech fabric. It's used here to hold the fines in place around watering stations for cattle. I'm trying that in addition to other types this year.

3/27/2011 8:26:17 AM

formerly RGG

I am thinking of making slits in the fabric under some of my vines. I know this may allow a few weeds to come through but it may be worth the trouble caused by weeds if it allows vine rooting.

3/27/2011 8:59:11 AM

Watervalley Ms

Hey guys i am planing on useing the fabric also, where do you put irrgation on top or below the fabric if useing drip.

3/27/2011 2:54:00 PM

Watervalley Ms

I will probably do the same thing TD.

3/27/2011 2:56:48 PM

Adams County

I'm going to try burlap, got some 4' x 200' rolls. loose weaves so i hope it does well. Bill

3/27/2011 5:17:41 PM

formerly RGG

Bill, I am not certain but I believe weeds will have not trouble at all growing up through burlap.

3/27/2011 8:54:46 PM

Ohio

As others have said, it depends on what type of fabric you use. The kind I used last year was a woven type and nothing was gonna get through it. In fact, it is so thick that I will be using the same piece again. I may cut slits in the fabric this year to see if that makes a difference. If you want to use something that the roots can poke through, I suggest the cheapest, lowest lasting landscape fabric you can get and one that is not woven.

3/27/2011 11:30:17 PM

Watervalley Ms

Thanks Tim, I got the cheap stuff.

3/28/2011 8:20:18 AM

Bowdon, GA

Cheap stuff is better. It breathes good too. Cutting small slot is a good idea if you have time.

3/28/2011 7:20:39 PM

Bowdon, GA

The stuff I use feels thin but still prevents weeds. Also will allow water to pass through readily. Make sure that you have something for them to hold on to till they root good. Bird netting or coarse straw works well.

3/28/2011 7:25:05 PM

Adams County

TD, with my luck you are probably right, but I already have it so i might as well try it..

3/28/2011 7:59:39 PM

formerly RGG

Well not all burlap is exactly the same Bill; so hopefully what you bought will work good for you.

3/28/2011 8:21:37 PM

Bethlehem CT

Bill you could always double it up.

3/29/2011 12:44:49 PM

Cleveland, Tenn

THE fabric I'm using can be purchased at John Deere landscaping for about 225.00 per 300 ft., not bad considering how much it will cover.

3/29/2011 6:35:29 PM

Adams County

looked at the burlap today and it is a pretty tight weave, its used to keep concrete wet, but doubling up might be an option. got it for free so what the heck, give it a shot..Bill,

3/29/2011 7:41:10 PM