Sweet Peet® Organic Mulch Eliminates Weeds

Why We Don’t Recommend Weed Mats

It’s tempting to use a weed mat or landscape fabric beneath mulch, but doing so defeats many of the benefits of organic mulch.

Weed mats create a barrier between the soil and your mulch, preventing the mulch from breaking down and enriching the soil with nutrients. They also block earthworms and other beneficial organisms from thriving. Over time, fabric-covered soil actually loses organic matter because it can’t receive the natural inputs that keep soil alive and fertile.

Healthy soil depends on organic matter and the microorganisms it supports. By applying Sweet Peet® directly, without fabric beneath, you encourage soil life while still preventing weeds.

How Sweet Peet® Suppresses Weeds Naturally

When applied correctly, Sweet Peet® smothers weeds by cutting off their sunlight. Its unique cation exchange also makes the surface inhospitable to new weed growth.

Here’s how to apply it:

• Start with weed-free beds. (This step is critical.)

• Apply 3–4 inches of Sweet Peet® around perennials. The thickness is the key — too thin, and sunlight can reach weed seeds.

• Once in place, you can even plant annuals directly into Sweet Peet®, reducing stress on tender young plants.

Staying Weed-Free

While Sweet Peet® is highly effective, no mulch is a magic cure. Weed seeds can still arrive by wind or birds. Regularly check your beds and pull any new weeds before they spread.

Avoid shortcuts like weed mats or plastic barriers — they may seem convenient, but they disrupt the natural soil-building process and limit the full benefits of organic mulch.

Garden & Landscaping Tip

Never cover soil with polyethylene plastic above root zones. Plastic blocks both air and water, creating serious long-term problems for trees and shrubs.

By choosing Sweet Peet® and skipping the fabric barrier, you’ll prevent weeds, build healthier soil, and create stronger, more resilient plants — naturally.