Comments on: Newspaper Garden Mulch

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:07:47 +0000

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.

By: Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:53:17 +0000

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.

By: Ecologue » Archive » Ripped from the Headlines: Cool Paper Pots

Ecologue » Archive » Ripped from the Headlines: Cool Paper Pots — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:08:41 +0000

[...] 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 [...]

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:10:03 +0000

Join the Don’t Let Newspapers Die! cause on Facebook. Without newspapers, we’re losing more than a good source for mulch!

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:46:05 +0000

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.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:01:04 +0000

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?

By: Ottawa Gardener

Ottawa Gardener — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:37:04 +0000

I used newspaper over lawn that was converted into gardens two years running. So far, it’s worked great!

By: Paula

Paula — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 16:03:36 +0000

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.