Using preimmergent weed chemical or landscape fabric, wjat is the best for flower beds?

If its a permenant perennial flower bed I would use the black mesh fabic mulch, then wood mulch on top of that. If you are planing on making an annual flower bed...I would just use the pre-emergent chemical like Preen. I use Preen in my annual beds and it works out the best for me...I also use it in my herb and veggie garden right directly after I plant the plants.

Using preimmergent weed chemical or landscape fabric, wjat is the best for flower beds?
I say IT'S A COMBINATION OF FABRIC AND AND GOOD OLD HAND WEEDING.
Reply:If the bed is level, and has no water issues nor foot traffic, go with the fabric. I have found the pre-emergnet chemicals to be spotty in terms of performance.
Reply:For smaller beds and area I use newspaper (covered with bark or mulch) instead of the fabric. Its fully biodegradable and if you use full sections will keep the weeds under control for about 2 years.





As for the preimmergents, pathetic would be my best rating for the ones I've tried. Given the last ones performance I couldn't have had more weeds if I had deliberately spread the seed myself.





I use roundup to keep them under control after manually clearing out a bed.