A Budget-Friendly TikTok Garden Path Idea To Try In Your Yard

Whether you're out in the garden doing chores or just taking a stroll to enjoy its beauty, creating a garden pathway can help you get around without worrying about accidentally trampling over your growing plants. However, with so many different materials available, each with its own set of pros and cons, you may not know where to start. Fortunately, this garden path idea from TikTok content creator @windyknoll_farmstead blends budget-friendly materials with benefits that come with a mulched path for an easy trail even beginners can recreate.

When it comes to building a path in your yard, you can choose from a variety of materials, ranging from mulch to stone. While mulch is softer than stone and may not provide a firm walkway, its natural look blends seamlessly with your garden's aesthetic. It also decomposes over time, which makes refreshing your garden path as easy as adding new mulch. This DIY highlights the benefits and versatility of mulch in the garden while also adding in another material for additional weed control: cardboard. To make this path, you'll only need two materials: your choice of mulch and some old cardboard that was otherwise destined for the trash. Having a shovel on hand can make spreading the mulch easier as well.

When constructing a mulched garden path with cardboard, the key is to work in layers. The first layer will be made up entirely of cardboard. This creates a solid, level surface for the mulch to sit on while also helping to keep weeds at bay. Because cardboard can be easily rearranged, it offers flexibility in shaping your path — something mulch alone doesn't provide. Then, to complete your path, all that's left is to cover the cardboard with a thick layer of mulch. When deciding how much mulch to use, aim for one to two inches for optimal airflow, moisture retention, and composting.

After those two steps, your garden path is complete. However, there are additional things you can do to elevate your new path's appearance further. For example, by using stone edging or even no-dig fencing, you can create an additional boundary between your path and your garden. While not necessary for raised beds, edging helps keep curious children on the path instead of wandering into the garden.

Regardless of how you choose to customize your garden path, there is just one thing to keep in mind. Although mulch can be helpful in suppressing weeds, especially when paired with cardboard, some weeds may still slip through. Stray weeds may appear as the path ages and the cardboard begins to break down. As a result, you may still need to weed this area, although creating a mulched path can reduce the frequency of this pesky chore.