The main reason to line the bottom of a square-foot garden bed is to prevent weeds and grass from growing up through the soil. if left unlined, weeds and grass can quickly take over the garden bed, making it difficult to maintain and reducing the yield of your crops.
Another benefit of lining the bottom of a square-foot garden bed is to create a barrier between the bed and the ground level. his barrier helps to keep the soil in the bed from mixing with the soil beneath, which can be of lower quality and may contain contaminants.
There are several materials that can be used to line the bottom of a square-foot garden bed. Here are some of the most common options:
1. Landscape Fabric-
Landscape Fabric is a popular choice for lining garden beds because it is quick and easy to install. The fabric is placed over the top of the soil and secured in place with stakes or rocks. Landscape fabric is permeable, which allows water to drain through, but prevents weeds and grass from growing up through the soil. Here is some great landscape fabric to try: www.amazon.com
2. Cardboard-
Old cardboard boxes can also be used to line the bottom of a square-foot garden bed. the cardboard is laid flat on the bottom of the bed and then sprayed moderately to seal into place. Then the bed is covered with the desired compost or soil used for growing. The cardboard will break down over time, but in the meantime, it will prevent weeds and grass from growing up through the soil.
3. Newspaper-
Like cardboard, newspaper can also be used to line the bottom of a square-foot garden bed. Newspaper is laid flat in the bottom of the bed and can be covered right away with the desired compost or soil you will be using to grow your plants, no prep needed. Newspaper will also break down over time, but in the meantime, it will prevent weeds and grass from growing up through the soil.
4. Plywood-
Plywood is a more permanent option for the lining the bottom of a square-foot garden bed. The plywood should be cut to fit the dimensions of the bed and then placed on top of the soil on ground level. The edges of the plywood should be flush with the sides of the bed to prevent good soil from spilling out. Plywood is effective at preventing weeds and grass from growing up through the soil, but it is not permeable, which means it may impede draining.
5. Plastic Sheeting-
Plastic Sheeting is another option for lining the bottom of a square-foot garden bed. The sheeting should be cut to fit the dimensions of the bed then placed on top of the soil on ground level. Plastic sheeting is effective at preventing weeds and grass from growing up through the soil. But it is not permeable, which means it may impede draining. Here is some great plastic sheeting to try: www.amazon.com
Conclusion
Lining the bottom of a square-foot garden bed is an important step in preparing the soil for planting. There are several materials that can be used for the bottom of a bed, including landscape fabric, cardboard, newspaper, plywood, and plastic sheeting. Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs. Properly lining the bottom of your garden bed will help to prevent weeds and grass from growing up through the soil and will create a barrier between the bed and the soil below, which can help improve the quality of your crops.
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