How to Get Rid of Weeds With Newspapers

You've spent more money that you care to admit on plastic, only to see it surface after a good rain. You've tried spraying your garden, and it killed the plants. You submitted your children to slave labor in the yard, but they only cried and whined, and your problem returned in mere days. So, how exactly do you conquer the unconquerable? How do you get rid of weeds? With newspaper...duh.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper

1. Begin planting your plants as you would, amending the soil and working in the appropriate nutrients.

2. Wet single pieces of newspaper. A spray bottle works best.

3. Place the newspaper around the base of the plant. Continue to do this, overlapping sheets of newsprint as you go. The idea is to layer the newspaper around the root structure. Create a covering at least six sheets thick, but don't go any thick than 10 or so. While weeds can work their way through plastic ground cover, you might be surprised that they have a difficult time overcoming paper. Plus, the paper is biodegradable and still allows moisture to get through when watering.

4. Cover the newspaper with top soil, hiding your little secret and exposing your new, weed-free garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't go too thin. While one or two sheets of wet newspaper might work, you don't want to have to reapply every week or two.
• Make sure the newspaper is sufficiently covered by soil. You don't want it to become visible once the soil has matted down from the elements.

[1creativemama]

on 6/4/2008 This is a great idea! I never thought of this one. I have a similar article like this one. You should check it out and let me know what you think.

[lilaclady]

on 2/22/2008 Good one I like this idea.....

[GreenGardenChic]

on 1/22/2008 Good idea and very environmental. Thanks.