paths between raised beds

andrewf75

Hi all,
I am planning to sort out the paths between my raised veg beds as they are currently a mess of grass and weeds. Don't really like the idea of bark so am thinking gravel. Needs to be functional rather than decorative so I'm thinking of doing the following:
digging out the turf/weeds, levelling it and laying some weed membrane and then a few odd bits of slabs with Type 1 sub base material filling the gaps.
Does this sound OK? Or does anyone have any better ideas?
Many thanks!

NigeWick

I've got raised beds and was going to lay membrane and then gravel (£35 per tonne) but I've now decided to go with bark as it is bio degradable for if it gets lifted onto the beds. I can get bark from a local sawmill. Where we used to live I laid 2' square slabs between beds to make a decent width path.

I say just go with what you are happiest with.

Chesapeake

Our allotments have a huuuuge pile of free woodchip so ground control membrane then a bunch of woodchip for us. At the end of the season we will dump the woodchip into the beds for the winter along with compost then lay fresh stuff on the paths.

paddy's_mum

Gravel can be a swine in a growing space. It sticks to muddy boots or wheelbarrows and gets carted everywhere. It hinders the free movement of wheels and is a so-and-so to kneel on if you need to get down on it.

Much better to have wood chippings which at least won't smash the lawnmower blades if accidentally caught up.

andrewf75

paddy's_mum wrote: »

Gravel can be a swine in a growing space. It sticks to muddy boots or wheelbarrows and gets carted everywhere. It hinders the free movement of wheels and is a so-and-so to kneel on if you need to get down on it.

Much better to have wood chippings which at least won't smash the lawnmower blades if accidentally caught up.

Thanks. I realise loose gravel may be an issue which is why I thought of something compactable (see opening post) to make a solid surface. Also, the paths between my beds are not wide enough for wheelbarrows and the idea of the raised beds is that I don’t need to get my boots muddy.
I see the attraction of bark chippings, but am still leaning towards something more solid

glasgowdan

I used strips of old carpet between my raised beds. Worked well, cost zero, no mess or maintenance. Needs replaced after 3-4 years.

Arthog

I put magazines, newspapers and flattened cardboard boxes between my raised beds. Stops all weeds and lasts well.

andrewf75

Thanks for those tips, I have a few strips of carpet there now, but as its a garden not an allotment I want something that looks a bit better.

glasgowdan

Ah ok, I think we just assumed it

Needs to be functional rather than decorative

andrewf75

I see what you mean! I guess I want something that looks better than old manky carpet, but happy for it to be a mish mash of slabs and gravel
Thanks anyway!

westiea

Have a look at 'self binding gravels' they are a fine limestone that you wacker plate flat and then water to set firm. Link for info only here your local aggregate supplier will give you more info.