Keep in mind that you need enough fabric to cover the entire area, plus a little extra to make sure the edges of the space are covered. A garden only needs 1 layer of landscape fabric at a time.

Since landscape fabric is designed to stop weeds from growing in your garden, it’s important to first remove the existing weeds to ensure no more can grow. If you have a lot of weeds to deal with, consider spraying them with a nonselective herbicide. Be careful and only spray the herbicide when there’s low wind, as it can kill other plants, too. [3] X Research source

Doing this will make your landscape fabric last longer and look even once laid down and covered in rocks.

Even out the soil with a hand tamper if you’re installing a pathway; this will help to stabilize the rocks once you lay them down. Alternatively compact road base or granite can be used to stabilize the area before laying out the fabric.

Do some research and figure out how much is typically healthy for the type of plant you’re growing, and mix in as much compost or fertilizer as they need.

Read the instructions to learn which side of the fabric should face down—usually the fuzzy side for woven fabric. The weave on that side is designed to help water flow down toward the roots of plants. [9] X Research source

Wear cut-resistant work gloves to protect yourself. [10] X Research source Weigh down the edges of the fabric with a large rock (or several smaller ones) to keep it in place while you cut away excess fabric.

Remember to keep an eye on any plants buried under landscape fabric. Even when using material that allows for water flow, your plants may not naturally get enough water.

Alternatively you could use nails to secure the fabric to the ground before landscaping. After the fabric is secured, you can plant any flora that isn’t already in your garden. Using the same technique as above, cut an “X” into the fabric and plant your flowers inside that space. At this time, install any edging you plan to use if you’re laying down fabric for a pathway, and tuck the landscape fabric underneath the edging to stop weeds from growing.

Limit your rock layer to about 2 inches (5. 1 cm) thick across the entire length of the landscape fabric. [16] X Research source