Weed it & Hope II

[The Medway Handyman]

Hi All

Decided to spray the Triffids in the alley with sodium chlorate (Wilkinsons £3 for 500g) last night and the results are obvious today, they are looking extremely sick.

Had a look at the front garden/drive as well. Finished this in January, roughly 8 metres x 8 metres bisected by a pathway to the road.

One half is for car parking. 5 tonnes of compacted type 1 topped with 2 tonnes of 18mm gravel. Not a weed in sight.

The other half is soil covered in the best weed control membrane I could find, with 2" of 18mm gravel on top. Weeds emerging all around the edges and some where the fabric overlaps (by at least 12"). Sprayed that with sodium chlorate as well.

So, scientific proof that 5 tonnes of compacted type 1 beats weed control fabric hands down! The ultimate weed suppressant!

[Roger]

The message from "The Medway Handyman" contains these words:

But how thick is the type 1 layer? I take it you didn't bother with a weed control membrane under it.

(I have 60 yards of drive and about the same area of yard that is in urgent need of another layer).

[The Medway Handyman]

About 5", no fabric, well compacted.

Dave

[Roger]

The message from "The Medway Handyman" contains these words:

Ta. I can't manage 5" everywhere but I think I might risk it if I kill the existing vegetation off first.

[me]

I can't manage 5" anywhere ;-)

[The Medway Handyman]

I only put 5 tonnes down only to make up the levels and make the gravel firm enough for three cars.

I reckon it's the heavy compaction as much as the thickness. The type 1 is so dense & solid that the little buggers can't get through. I didn't spray either side.