Using Newspaper As Weed Mat

Using newspaper instead it takes about three layers of newspaper to provide the same weed blocking benefits as fabric but the paper is easier to tear into smaller strips so you can arrange it in.

Using newspaper as weed mat. If you have a large area to cover or expect it to last a long time than a proper weed mat is the way to go. Get everything out of there. Newspapering your weeded flower beds is a cheap easy way to keep our unwanted weeds by denying them light. Newspaper will smother weeds.

Pluck out all your crabgrass runners. The key is to use very thick layers ten sheets or more to create a more dense barrier to smother the weeds. Simply lay a barrier of cardboard or thick newspapers and cover with compost and rich soil. Cardboard and newspaper will eventually decompose so over time we will need to repeat.

This approach can also be used in an area to plant. When you re first starting out you want to weed real good all around the plant in the row. Newspaper works fine for me. Layer on the newspaper.

We don t get the newspaper delivered anymore however you can still get ahold of newspaper for gardening. I have heard some great success stories regarding the use of newspaper instead of traditional weed mat and newspaper is much less expensive. Pull back any mulch you might have already put in place. Have plants in the ground already so you can lay newspaper around them consider.

If you use newspaper we would recommend several layers like 4 6. Newspaper amends the soil leaving it soft and loose if it is currently hard and rocky. If you re really good you would just lay the paper bags when you put the plants in. It s a great way to recycle old papers.

User 10698 34417 posts. Using newspaper under mulch prepare your garden bed as you would prepare before you laid down mulch remove any weeds you see this isn t totally necessary. We have used newspaper a lot in the past for weed barrier and it works great but doesn t last as long as cardboard. However the cardboard and newspaper will truly decompose and not leave lingering pieces of litter everywhere.