Why More Growers Are Turning to Ground Cover Fabrics for Weed Control

If you’ve ever spent a scorching afternoon pulling stubborn weeds from between your plants, you’re not alone. Ask any wholesale or retail grower and they’ll tell you weeds are not just a nuisance; they’re a time thief, a resource drain, and in many cases, a profit killer. But here’s the good news: more and more growers are ditching the hoe and embracing a modern, low-maintenance solution—ground cover fabrics.

So, why the sudden shift? Why are seasoned professionals and emerging growers alike making the switch? Let’s dig in.

Weeds compete directly with your crops for essential resources such as light, nutrients, water, and space. But beyond that, they create ideal hiding places for pests, disrupt your irrigation systems, and even impact airflow around your plants, increasing the risk of disease.

And let’s not forget the labour. Whether you manage a 5-acre nursery or a compact retail grow house, weeding is tedious, expensive, and inefficient if done manually or chemically. Plus, with tightening regulations on herbicide use and an industry-wide push toward sustainable growing practices, the traditional weed-killer route just isn’t cutting it anymore.

Ground cover fabric, sometimes referred to as weed barrier fabric or horticultural ground cloth, acts like an invisible shield. Laid over the soil, this material allows water and nutrients to pass through while blocking sunlight that weeds need to germinate and grow. It’s that simple, and that effective.

In our experience supplying growers across the country, from large-scale greenhouses to small nurseries, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in demand for high-quality ground cover fabric. Why? Because it works. And it saves time, money, and headaches.

1. Time and Labour Savings

Once installed, ground cover fabric significantly reduces the need for manual weeding. That means less time pulling weeds and more time focusing on yield, growth cycles, and customer satisfaction.

2. Improves Water Efficiency

Many growers pair ground cover with drip irrigation systems. The fabric reduces evaporation and helps maintain consistent moisture levels. In drought-prone areas, this isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

3. Promotes Healthier Plants

When weeds are kept at bay, plants don’t have to fight as hard for nutrients, sunlight, and water. Ground cover fabrics create a more stable, less competitive environment where your plants can thrive. On top of that, the fabric helps reduce soil erosion and retains moisture in the root zone, both essential for strong, healthy growth.

4. Durability Across Seasons

Quality ground cover fabrics, like the ones we supply at JFH, are UV-resistant, tear-proof, and built to last for multiple seasons even under heavy foot traffic and equipment use. And when properly installed, they can last many years. 

5. Cleaner, More Professional Look

Especially for retail operations and U-pick farms, ground cover fabric creates clean, accessible rows. It enhances your brand image while making maintenance easier.

To get the most out of your ground cover, consider pairing it with:

• Staples & Pegs – Keep fabric secure against wind and foot traffic.
• Drip Irrigation Systems – Run them directly under the cover for efficient watering.

• Propagation Trays – Start seedlings off strong before transplanting into your covered beds.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Each of these products is available here. 

In an industry where margins are thin and time is precious, growers are constantly looking for tools that deliver maximum impact with minimum effort. Ground cover fabrics do just that: they’re easy to install, require little maintenance, and provide multi-season weed protection without the downsides of chemical control.

Want your investment to last? Follow these pro tips:

     1. Prepare the site – Clear weeds and debris, level the surface.

     2. Roll out the fabric – Overlap pieces by 10-15cm if needed.

     3. Secure with ground pegs or staples – Every metre along edges and seams.

     4. Cut holes for planting – Use scissors or a burner for clean edges.

     5. Add mulch or gravel (optional) – For aesthetics and extra weed suppression.

How to Get the Best ROI

When selecting ground cover fabric, don't just go for the cheapest option available. Instead, look for:

• GSM Rating (Grams per Square Meter): Higher GSM = more durability.
• UV Stabilisation: This is critical for long-term outdoor use.

• Weave Density: Tighter weaves offer better weed suppression.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Buying in bulk not only brings down the cost per roll but ensures you’ve got enough for seasonal expansion. (We offer bulk rolls to suit your scale.)

If you’re still battling weeds with outdated methods, it might be time to consider a better way.

Ground cover fabrics offer a reliable, long-term solution that will save you money and improve plant health. Whether you manage a large nursery, a garden centre, or grow commercially you’ll see real benefits from this simple upgrade.

Need help choosing the right type or size? Get in touch with our team today, and we’ll help you find the best fit for your growing environment.

Browse our full selection of fabrics, or speak with our expert team for advice tailored to your operation.