Is putting weed control tarp recommended before adding mulch to a garden?

Question

or can you just add mulch to top soil or dirt?

Answer 1

It does a good job    BUT. You and everybody else always changes and add plants - its inevitable!   Then the bad part of putting down the fabric shows it self. Its a bear to cut and maneuver around your planting plans and will really frustrate you in years to come.

I do it the old fashion way. Without.

Answer 2

Instead of weed tarp, try overlaying newspapers, wet them down then cover with mulch.  Newspaper prevents weeds from growing.  You will also not have the problems others have stated rearding laying down tarp.  

Answer 3

the stuff is junk.  The weeds just grow in the top layer of mulch.  If you use a weed preventer such as preen and are fast acting on weeds you shouldnt have a problem without using it.  

If you are going to use it, plant all your plants, put the fabric down and then mulch.  

If you ever go to plant or move or any sort of work that involves digging, you are in for the time of your life because its a pain to try and dig through or cut the fabric.