What?!

Gardening is a delightful and satisfying hobby, but dealing with persistent weeds can be a daunting task. Many people resort to chemical herbicides or plastic mulches, which can be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, my grandma shared a time-honored, environmentally friendly method for suppressing weeds using simple cardboard. This natural solution is both effective and sustainable, and I’m excited to pass along this knowledge to fellow gardeners.
The Problem With Weeds In Gardens
Weeds are more than just an unsightly nuisance; they compete with your plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. This competition can inhibit the growth of your flowers, vegetables, and other crops, ultimately affecting your garden’s yield. Weeds can also harbor pests and diseases, further threatening the health of your garden. Controlling these weeds without harming the beneficial aspects of your garden can be challenging.
Advertisement
Why Cardboard Is An Effective Solution
Cardboard serves as an excellent barrier against weeds due to its thickness and biodegradability. Unlike plastic sheets, which can suffocate the soil and prevent water penetration, cardboard allows water and nutrients to reach the soil while blocking sunlight, which prevents weed seeds from germinating. Over time, cardboard breaks down and enriches the soil with organic matter, making it an ideal eco-friendly solution for long-term garden health.
Materials You Will Need
To get started with cardboard weed suppression, you will need: 1. Cardboard sheets (preferably without glossy prints or excessive ink)
2. A box cutter or scissors for cutting the cardboard
3. A garden hose or watering can
4. Organic mulch (such as straw, wood chips, or compost)
5. Garden stakes or rocks to hold down the cardboard
Step-by-Step Guide To Using Cardboard For Weed Suppression
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to using cardboard in your garden to suppress weeds:
Preparing Your Garden Area
Start by identifying the areas in your garden where you want to suppress weeds. Remove any existing large weeds and debris from these areas to create a clean, flat surface. Water the garden bed thoroughly to ensure the soil is moist, as this will help the cardboard adhere better to the ground and initiate the decomposition process.
continued on next page