Review: Woven Weed Mats for Mulching Tomatoes

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.

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 (two of the best are Pro Weed Mat by Gardener’s Supply and the Weed Barrier Mat from Gardens Alive!)
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 weed mats from Gardener's Supply and Gardens Alive!).