If you're like me and wondering what to do with your used, unwanted cardboard boxes, they can find a second life as mulch for your garden.
Writes catskillmamala:
I pick up appliance boxes from the appliance store. I only use brown cardboard with minimum or no ink. I peel off the tape, open the box up flat and lay in in my paths or on new beds that I want to keep growth-free. I find if I use smaller pieces and there is any crack between pieces of cardboard, weeds will find a way.
Paper degrading can lead to slightly acid conditions so you may want to use a bit of lime.
Violet Lane writes that she uses cardboard to start new beds over the winter. It's not pretty, but it's practical. See pictures here. While I probably can't get away with it given my homeowner's association rules, maybe shredded or covered with wood chips could work. Thoughts?
I had no idea you were so into gardening and growing your own veggies and plants! I learn something new every day. I'm enjoying your blog - even if I don't get here as often as I'd like! I just discovered Google Reader, so I'm getting better!
ReplyDeleteI never said I was any good at it. I do enjoy the few times I succeed at it--mostly beans, tomatoes and onions seem to be manageable and not easily killed off. Some day, maybe I'll have the time and resources to really devote to it!
ReplyDeleteI use cardboard at the bottom of my raised beds--I just don't like that weed barrier, and the cardboard is free, and I also use it in the paths between the beds with mulch over it. I try to use pine straw if I can find it free since it takes so long to break down, but any mulch will do.
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