Vegetable beds lying fallow

[MrBig46]

I am facing the problem of what to do with the flower beds at a time when I will not be able to go to the garden and do something there. It is clear to me that if these flower beds are not maintained in any way for a year, annual and perennial weeds will spread there (yarrow, morning glory, etc.), which I keep in an acceptable amount by always growing something in the flower beds and I am forced to fight weeds especially with a hoe. It is clear to me that if there is nothing but weeds on those flower beds, they will look terrible and then when I want to grow something there, it will be difficult for me. It seems best to me, after digging up and hoeing the entire plot in the fall, to put something on it that would prevent (limit) the growth of weeds. I have three options with which I could cover the area after the beds.
1. Black woven fabric
2. White non-woven fabric 50 g/m2
3. Cartons
4. Combination
My idea is that the beds would be covered from October 2024 to March 2026. Any advice would be appreciated.
Vladimir

[MissS]

I would apply a good layer of mulch and then cover with black fabric to help solarize the soil and kill as many weed seeds as possible. The mulch will keep the soil active and the fabric will prevent the weeds from thriving.

[JRinPA]

How heavy is the black woven?

I have never needed to do this. I would use layers of cardboard with the black woven on top and very well secured. The black woven I have is I think 4 oz per yard, so about 100 g/m^2.

I think it would prevent weeds, but might provide a home for rodents.

[Wildcat82]

On occasion, I've used a simple double layer of flattened cardboard and it worked very well. The grocery stores here will give away as many cardboard boxes as you want.

[SpringtimeInTheBag]

I have some tarps and a chunk of the black woven weed barrier that I use. Typically I'll throw some leaves/spent coffee grounds under it for another layer of weed barrier while they start decomposition. The worms seem to like the combination of dark material on top to keep things warmer for longer with food.

I used some cardboard last year on a part of a perennial bed to cut back my out of control Spiderwort. The cardboard did not survive the winter. There were large holes already forming around the time the early spring weeds were germinating. You might need to count on a late winter/early spring replacement if you go that route. We tend to have a lot of cycling right around freezing and wet, though. Your climate may make cardboard last longer.

[bower]

I've been looking at these possibilities for some severe weed problems at my mother's garden.
So far I'm thinking carton under black landscape tarp is a best bet, allowing moisture through but not light.
From what I have read, the (woven) landscape tarp alone is not ideal, even though it's sold for 'weed suppression'. But reviewers who have used the material said it didn't prevent seed germination because some light gets through.
Carton (cardboard) underneath the fabric would stop light getting through.
I am even thinking of buying some water activated paper tape, to really block all holes in the paper or carton layer.
The paper or cardboard layer may break down in a year, but it does keep worms happy too.

[MissS]

I've been looking at these possibilities for some severe weed problems at my mother's garden.
So far I'm thinking carton under black landscape tarp is a best bet, allowing moisture through but not light.
From what I have read, the (woven) landscape tarp alone is not ideal, even though it's sold for 'weed suppression'. But reviewers who have used the material said it didn't prevent seed germination because some light gets through.
Carton (cardboard) underneath the fabric would stop light getting through.
I am even thinking of buying some water activated paper tape, to really block all holes in the paper or carton layer.
The paper or cardboard layer may break down in a year, but it does keep worms happy too.

Bower I have made my gardens using cardboard to suppress the weeds and kill the grass. Both the beds and the walkways were covered in cardboard and it has worked splendidly. However, I will say that it only works as long as the cardboard is there. It has disintegrated on my paths and the weeds are once again flourishing. I will soon be adding more cardboard and then covering it with some grass clippings.

It should work well for your mom.