There are many ideas for creating paths between the beds, but only a small part of them can boast of their practicality. In this material, I have collected only those options that you can really use on your site.
1. Old bricks
Old bricks, cleaned of hardened mortar, are perfect for creating a narrow path between the beds. In order for the surface to be even, it is necessary to lay out the artificial stone on the compacted earth, sprinkled with a layer of sand. On swampy soils, it is recommended to use cement mortar as a base. Use a sledgehammer and board to tamp the bricks. The latter will protect the stone from impacts and ensure that no corners come out.
A path made of old bricks is not afraid of the vagaries of the weather and physical damage. After rain, the surface does not slip and does not get wet. It's safe to say that this is one of the most practical materials for laying between beds.
The main enemy of brick paths is sticky unstable soil. Drainage and replacement of the top layer with sand or fine gravel will help to partially solve this problem.
2. Fine gravel
Small gravel will be no less practical material for creating paths between the beds. It is often used in landscape design, but it is not popular among gardeners. The main disadvantage of such tracks is the high cost and difficult creation process. First, the ground should be leveled, tamped and covered with geotextiles. A layer of sand is placed on top of the material, and only after that the path is covered with gravel.
Such paths do not slip in the rain and dry out quickly. Shoes always remain clean and dry after working in the garden. In the spring, the coating should be allowed to dry a little, after which it will be ready for daily use again.
At first, walking on gravel will be uncomfortable, but over time, the coating will be compacted and you will no longer feel the difference.
3. Dense geotextile
In dry areas with dense, stable soil, paths between the beds can be covered with thick geotextiles. The fabric is laid on flat, compacted ground and pressed against the garden bed fence. To prevent water from accumulating in puddles after rain, the path should have a slope or the shape of a slightly noticeable arc.
The store will help you choose a dense wear-resistant geotextile. There are a lot of types of this material, so it makes no sense to focus on a specific brand. You just need to know that there are types of geotextiles that are permeable and impermeable to water. In the second case, the fabric will be stronger, but after rain puddles and smudges will appear on it.
4. Metal grill
A very expensive, but practical and durable coating will be a stainless steel mesh. Such a track is installed on screw piles just above ground level. It will be difficult to carry out the installation yourself, therefore, along with the expensive elements, you will also have to invite specialists. However, the result will be worth the money spent. The shelf life of such a track is not limited, and in practicality it has no equal.
The stainless steel mesh is not afraid of rain, sun, severe frosts and spring floods. The coating does not slip in the rain and does not accumulate moisture on the surface. Shoes will always stay clean and dry. In hot sunny weather, the net does not heat up and does not overheat the plant roots. When watering crops, excess moisture accumulates under the net without creating a mess of dirt.
5. Rubber mats with lining
Recycled rubber mats can be purchased to fill the space between the beds. The products are lined with polyethylene, which suppresses the growth of weeds and prevents dirt from seeping. Among the advantages of the material are simple installation, long service life and relatively low cost. The disadvantages include strong heating in sunny weather.
In order for the coating to completely cover the track, it will have to be cut into pieces of the appropriate size. This can be done using a clerical knife and a metal saw.
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Read also on my website - How to strengthen the paths between the beds so that after the rain they do not turn into a swamp