How to prepare a flower bed for planting using newspaper and lime stone rock?

Question

Any other ways to prepare the flower bed? I am a novice so I don't know where to start.

Answer 1

One of the shows on HGTV (one with a funny Middle aged guy with salt and pepper hair I forget his name) did part of an episode on this. He recommended preparing the garden in this manner in the fall, prior to the season you wish to plant. This gives the newspaper longer to kill not only the grass, but all of the seeds from any noxious weeds that may also be present. Also you may wish to lay at least two but probably no more than three layers of newsprint down. One layer, which would stop direct light, would still let some light through (much like a window shade). If you have any shady areas in your yard, you will note that while grass wont grow, weeds still thrive in reduced light. Remember you are not only trying to kill the existing vegitation, but also any ungerminated seeds. The darker the better chance of stopping weed germination. However, more than three layers would require not only a lot of newsprint, but also would take more time to decay. Depending on where you live if you have plenty of moisture even if it is snowfall, this should not be a problem. If you are not the organic type, a good preemergent would also be ok, but only if you are planting established plants.

If you are not set on using the newspaper method, you may try compost. Many cities are turning yardwaste into compost that can be purchased very cheaply. If you can get this, buy a couple of cubic yards and spread it to about 4-6 inches in the area you want your garden. As it decomposes at the facility, it generates heat. There will still be some of this process when you receive it so the heat combined with the lack of light will kill off everything beneath it. Plus it is rich in nutrients and you will not have to worry about fertilizing much the first season.

Answer 2

Lime stone rock can be decorative if you like the white color. Other than that, it can be bad if crushed because it is a caustic. Some plants like acid soils..in fact most of the ones I like do.

Newspaper is a cheap mulch. It can kill weeks underneath it but I would just do that anyway and skip using trashy newspapers. Enjoy your garden. It is not so hard. Water it a lot, fertilize with Miracle Grow and use good soil to begin with...at least 6 inches. Enjoy!!!

Answer 3

You can use shredded newspaper to mulch your garden, as a layer in making "lazagna" (no till) beds, and flat newspaper to cover existing grass to kill it (at least 6 sheets). You can weigh the edges down with rock if you like, but I usually spray it down with a hose, then through some straw or leaves on top, and wet them too. I don't have trouble with blowing-away things.

The limestone scares me. Unless your soil is overly acid, don't use limestone in your soil! It will raise the ph. The soil around here is a bit on the clay side, and alkaline. Lime stone would make it even MORE alkaline, and all my acid-loing plants would complain even more than they are now.

But perhaps it serves a purpose in your area. I don't know what kind of soil you are starting with.

Answer 4

I take it your using the newspaper to cover the sod? You outline the garden with the rocks, I find if you dig a bit of a indent for the rock to sit in it helps. Then fill it up with soil, on top of the newspaper, and put in your plants. You should use at least 3 pieces of paper thick, once it rots the grass underneath is dead and won't hurt your garden. Good luck and enjoy your garden