How to Use Black Landscaping Fabric in the Garden

Rake the bedding area to remove rocks and weeds. Add compost to the bed and work it in with the rake. Level the planting bed by raking the dirt and compost until it forms an even layer.

Roll out the landscaping fabric over the entire length and width of the bed--it's fine if it overlaps. Place rocks or bricks on the edges of the fabric to hold it in place until you can secure it properly.

Push a garden staple through the fabric and into the soil every 5 to 10 feet along the edges of the landscaping fabric. The more staples you use, the more secure the fabric will be. If you have an overlap of fabric around the edges of the bed, secure the fabric as close to the border of the bed as possible. Cut off excess fabric with a pair of scissors.

Pour mulch over the entire surface area of the landscaping fabric to provide an even layer. Spread the mulch with a rake, if needed. Be careful not to puncture the fabric.

Arrange the plants on top of the mulch, so you can determine planting placement. Set the plant to the side and cut a hole in the fabric with a utility knife. If you are planting seeds, cut holes in the fabric at the intervals recommended for the type of seed you are planting.

Dig a furrow for the seed or a hole for the plant. Place the seed, or the root ball of the plant, into the furrow or hole and cover it with dirt. Push the mulch back into place to cover the fabric.