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I’m about to begin work on my backyard garden, especially the garden beds. I have covered them with some old carpet currently to help kill off the weeds, because I didn’t want to use any herbicides.
I’m wondering what options people are using for weed matting. I’ve seen a few different types at Bunnings and I’m not sure which one is the most organic, provides good drainage, allows the soil to breath and yet still resists weeds.
I already have a few fruit trees and plan to plant more fruits and vegetables. I will up-cycle an old rainwater tank to be used as a couple of raised garden beds. But its important to make sure those pesky weeds don't come back.
My other question is what do you reccomend around the raised garden beds? Bark or stone? I am leaning towards bark or wood chips as its less of an impact, easier to move and cheaper.
Thanks.
Good Evening @KanoLaLa
I like the idea of using carpet to kill the weeds but then id remove the carpet (I dont want to add plastic to my garden is my thinking as it breaks down)
Once you have killed the weeds, turn the with a shovel, workout but it helps airate the garden bed, turn compost in as you go as well.
Then the winner I have found is old hession coffee sacks if you have a coffee roaster near you there is no harm in asking if they have some they are getting rid of, they may pong a bit but aired out they dont smell even after covering the garden beds.
Once you have covered the beds, mulch over it, I like pea mulch for no particular reason other then maybe it adds nitrogen as it breaks down.
When I go to plant my seedlings all I do is use a stanely knife and cut a 4 inch straight cut in the bag, dig out a bit of a hole and bingo, your done 
When I water with the ex coffee sacks I only have the hose going slowly and actually just let the water fall gently on the bag next to the holes, minimal wastage and the tomatoes seem to appreciate not getting their leaves wet.
Dave
I did not know of the hessian mat Bunnings has 
