Review: Woven Weed Mats for Mulching Tomatoes

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Weed mats are sheets of material that are placed in a garden as a weed barrier.

They are made of variety of products which each have differing advantages. Woven mats (especially professional-grade) are long-lasting, durable, and re-usable. Biodegradable mats are completely “green” and can be tilled into the soil at the end of the growing season.

A significant advantage of mats (over other types of weed barriers) is that they let in air, water, and nutrients into the soil.

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Woven mats for mulching tomatoes

Made of woven polypropylene, these mats can create a semi-permanent walkway in the garden or significant weed barrier and –

• work great in vegetable gardens, especially in between rows as “runways”
• can be fit around tomato plants by cutting slits
• provide excellent weed control
• allow you to refrain from spraying for weeds
• let in air, water, and nutrients
• help retain soil moisture
• control temperature fluctuations in the soil
• are sturdy – you can walk on it, roll a wheelbarrow, or drag a container across it
• are durable and resilient in the elements
• last year after year

Professional-grade woven mats also provide excellent erosion protection on hillside gardens.

For best results …

• Choose a professional-grade woven mat (one of the best is the Pro Weed Mat from Gardener's Supply)
• Secure cut ends with duct tape (or other water-resistant bonding agent) to prevent fraying
• Keep mat surface free of dirt to prevent weeds from growing on top
• Roll up and store at the end of the season

When it comes to woven mats, be aware of this

• Mats can blow away if not anchored. Secure mats with anchors (such as earth staples, pavers, rocks, bricks, rebar, logs, chicken wire).
• Products are available in varying degrees of strength. Lower quality mats tear more readily than sturdier ones. A professional-grade mat is a reasonably-priced product for its durability.

(Check out woven weed mats from Gardener's Supply and from other vendors for comparison.)

Mats compared to black plastic mulch

• Mats let water and air through, where plastic mulch does not
• Woven mats are sturdier than black plastic
• Both mats and plastic mulch keep the weeds down
• Both mats and plastic mulch heat up the soil

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