Question
Hello there. My wife and I are haveing a disagreement on planting bulbs/roots, such as tulips, hostas, and peonies. I say after we loosen up the ground and remove all old roots, etc.., we should place down some weed plastic or whatever you call it. The one with the small holes that will let water through but not let the weeds come up. (I used this before and I still get weeds). After placing down the barrier, I cut slits, dig the hole, plant the bulbs. I  then cover the barrier with mulch, pebble rock, or other type of covering to retain moisture.
My wife says NO WAY. She says to leave out the barrier as this will keep the bulbs or roots from spreading out, that the new shoots will not be able to come up through the barrier and the roots will rot.
Who's right?  I hate to pull weeds. I'm getting ready to pull up all my hostas, split them and replant them in another area as they are being over run by my day liles.

Answer
Hi Gary
the fabric you are refering to is just an option for control not a solution. weed seeds blow around and grow wherever they land so even though you put down the fabric
the weeds will still grow. the fabric is mainly used in areas where tree roots are a problem they will contain them to allow you to have a raised bed. in your situation your wife is correct the fabric will restrict the bulbs if they are below it and cause additional moisture retention which will rot them.  I know weeds are a pain but i still pull them because i love my garden.  Good Luck   Larry  ;-)