Newspaper Garden Mulch
I received a question recently regarding using newspaper as a mulch to control weed growth in the garden.
Diane made the following inquiry: “I was wondering what you think about using layers of newspaper covered with straw as weed control.”
“We have such a prolific weed problem in our community garden that straw alone does not work and I refuse to resort to black plastic as many other garden members have done for understandable reasons.”
Mulching for Weed Control
Newspaper or even cardboard is fine to use as a mulch in the vegetable garden and it will definitely help to prevent the germination and growth of weed seeds. You can apply the sheets of newspaper in layers or you can use shredded newspaper.
Placing straw on top of the newspaper will make for a tidier looking appearance in the garden. Both materials will gradually decompose and need to be replenished, but the straw will last much longer with the newspaper underneath.
I always use straw as a mulch between my raised beds and it keeps the paths clean and free of weeds even without newspaper because of the foot traffic. If there are trees growing in your neighborhood, another alternative that makes a terrific garden mulch is to use shredded leaves.
Mulching Tips and Tactics
Leaves can be acquired at no expense and are even easier to spread over the garden than the newspaper or straw. They will add valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil as they break down and the earthworms will thank you by converting the leaves into rich castings. Shredded leaves work much differently than whole leaves and are better suited to mulching duties.
Never apply any type of mulch when the soil is bone dry, irrigate or wait until after a soaking rainfall before you cover the garden. Also keep in mind that in addition to reducing weed growth, garden mulches tend to insulate and reduce soil temperatures as well. So allow the soil to thoroughly warm up before you begin applying your mulches.
Black plastic is an exception in that it will actually raise soil temperatures, which is great for heat loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and melons. I’ve resisted using black plastic in the past but am considering a little selective placement of it in the garden this year to encourage the growth of melons in particular.
Good luck with your community garden this year and let me know how using the newspaper and straw mulch works for controlling those weeds. I plan to write an article or two about other ways to control weed growth in the garden soon so check back for updates on this topic.
Other Related Vegetable Gardening Posts:
April 1st, 2007 at 11:03 am
Kenny, Just found your great site. I’m a CPA gardener in WA state! Newspapers really helped in our garden last year. I was converting grass paths to no-grass paths by putting down multiple sheets of newspapers and then covering them with burlap green coffee bags. The newspapers dissolved over the year. I also did this to kill out some of the grass and weeds in an area that would be 2 new beds. After a while, I took up the bags, rototilled in any remaining newspapers and then put the bags over the new beds. The worms seemed to love the newspaper / bag coverings too.
April 5th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
I used newspaper over lawn that was converted into gardens two years running. So far, it’s worked great!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Has anyone researched the chemicals in newspaper production and what happens to them when the paper is used as mulch. It sounds like a great recyling idea, but do those chemicals end up in the food?
September 17th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Hi Ben, in the past there were concerns about the chemicals contained in the inks used in printing but most of the inks used now are supposed to be soy-based and safe to use as mulch in the garden. If there’s any question check with your local paper and inquire about the type of ink that they use.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Join the Don’t Let Newspapers Die! cause on Facebook. Without newspapers, we’re losing more than a good source for mulch!
April 29th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
[...] to craft containers. Second, you can just pop the plants out and into the ground; then just shred the newspaper into garden mulch or mix small paper bits into your compost pile. Third, it’s a cheap alternative to buying [...]
June 11th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I used newspaper and old hay in my garden last year. It worked well preventing weeds and keeping the ground moist but it was also a breeding ground for millipedes and slugs. There were thousands of them eating tomatoes, melons and even peppers. I used beer traps but still lost the majority of my produce. They loved hiding under the paper and hay. I heard recently that coffee grounds repel slugs but what else can I try? I’m against chemicals.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
There are organic slug baits available at the garden centers. Also slugs and copper do not coexist well. They sell copper barriers to place around plants but they are expensive. You can make your own by shredding copper scouring pads and place them around the base of the plants or even in the branches of the plants that are being attacked.