How to Use Soil to Prevent Weeds in a Garden Bed

Most weed seeds in flower and vegetable beds germinate when they migrate to the surface and receive warmth and light from the sun. This is a relatively continuous process, as weeds are pulled or soil is cultivated. A traditional garden mulch, such as hay, shredded bark or wood chips, accomplishes the same objective: effectively smothering the growth of weeds by blocking them from exposure to the sun. A layer of sterilized soil can perform the same function as a more traditional mulch material -- as it will stop weeds from growing by blocking light. Sterilized soil has been heated to a temperature high enough to kill both weed seeds and most soil-borne diseases.

Things You'll Need

• Garden claw or rake
• Shovel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Establish all plants in their final locations in the garden bed.

   • 2

     Smooth the surface of the soil with a garden claw or rake, being careful not to uproot the plants.

   • 3

     Put down a layer of sterilized soil at least 1 inch, and preferably 2 inches, deep. Use a shovel to move the soil from the packages or wheelbarrow to the garden bed. Carefully sprinkle it around the plants, covering the entire surface of the soil.

   • 4

     Water the newly laid layer of soil by spraying it with a hose-end sprayer set to a fine to medium mist. The water will help keep the soil from blowing away if it is too dry.