How much to buy. The mat is sold by the foot in a 3 ft width, so order the bed's length in feet. If the bed is wider than 3 ft, lay side-by-side strips: a 6 x 20 ft bed takes two 20 ft lengths, 40 ft in all.
Before you start. Clear existing weeds, especially perennial ones.
Laying it. Fasten the mat down firmly so perennial weeds cannot push it up. Cover it with several inches of mulch for better moisture, temperature and weed control. Under rock, always lay the mat first, or the rock sinks into sandy soil.
Upkeep. Pull any weeds that come through promptly, before they establish. Clear fallen leaves and litter from the top, since weed seeds can sprout in debris that builds up on the mat. Never use a flame weeder over it.
Good to know. Landscape fabric can suppress weeds for two or more years. Nutsedge, with its triangular stems, can push through thinner fabrics.
Sources: Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Mulch · UF/IFAS EDIS HS1170: Nonchemical Weed Control for Home Landscapes and Gardens · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Choosing and Installing Mulches
