ADVERTISEMENT
Weeds are a recurring problem for all those who like to maintain their gardens. They quickly invade the flower beds, steal space from cultivated plants and often require constant efforts to be controlled. Fortunately, there is a simple, economical, and environmentally friendly way to get rid of it: newsprint. This natural solution not only controls weed growth, but also offers other valuable benefits for the health of your soil and plantations.
In this article, we will explore in detail why and how to use newsprint in your garden, as well as the precautions to be taken to maximize its effectiveness while maintaining the ecological balance of your green space.
1. Why use newsprint in your garden?
1.1 An ecological alternative to chemical herbicides
Conventional herbicides may be effective against weeds, but they have several major drawbacks:
- They often contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the soil, contaminate groundwater and damage biodiversity.
- Excessive use can lead to weed resistance, making future treatments less effective.
- Some herbicides can also affect the desired plants or disrupt beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
Newspaper, on the other hand, is a 100% natural and biodegradable solution. It acts as a physical barrier that prevents sunlight from reaching weeds, which inhibits their growth without resorting to harmful substances. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this method is easily accessible and inexpensive, as almost everyone has access to used newspapers.
1.2 A multi-functional natural mulch
In addition to fighting weeds, newsprint plays several key roles in improving your garden:
(a) Preservation of moisture
A layer of newsprint placed at the foot of the plants helps to retain moisture in the soil. It forms a barrier that limits the evaporation of the water, thereby reducing the frequency of watering needed. This is particularly useful during hot or dry periods when the soil can dry out quickly.
(b) Improvement of soil structure
When the newsprint decomposes, it gradually enriches the soil with organic nutrients. It also promotes the development of earthworms and other beneficial organisms that naturally fertilize the ground.
(c) Waste reduction
Using newsprint in your garden helps to reduce household waste. Instead of throwing these materials into the garbage bin or compost (where it takes longer to decompose), you can integrate them directly into your green space to take advantage of it.
continued on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
