How to Place Old Newspaper in Flower Beds

Use thick layers of newspaper mulch to discourage weeds and digging animals.

Newspapers can be recycled in a variety of ways. You can save your old newspapers instead of placing them on your curb once per week. In the spring, you will want to take these newspapers and use them when planting your flower garden. Newspapers are a great way to prevent the growth of weeds. The newspapers will also stop animals from digging up your flowers.

Things You'll Need

• Newspapers
• Hose
• Composted manure
• Hardwood mulch

Instructions

1. Map out the area of your yard that you want to turn into your flower garden. Mow it if the grass is higher than five centimeters.

2. Place newspaper pages over the entire area until it is covered. Use a hose to wet down the pieces of newspaper.

3. Apply another layer of newspaper and wet it with the hose. Repeat until your wet layers of newspaper measure two centimeters thick.

4. Dump composted manure on top of the layers of wet newspapers. The manure is a natural fertilizer. It will also anchor the newspapers so that they do not fly away. Make sure the manure measures four centimeters in thickness.

5. Spread mulch on top of the manure until it is five centimeters thick. Then water the mulch.

6. Keep the mulch moist for the next month and a half. The soil is now perfect for growing flowers. You can then begin digging your holes and planting your flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• The decomposition of the newspapers will not take place if the mulch is not kept moist.

• Do not use newspapers that are glossy. This type of newspaper doesn't degrade as well.

References

• 1311: Newspapers Recycled in Garden
• Canadian Gardening: Make a No-Dig Garden with Old Newspapers