Can you use NEWSPAPER as a BLOCK FOR WEEDS instead of the gardening cloth?

Question

that you get at the plant nursery?
experienced gardeners please
thx

Answer 1

Newspaper is great for using in your garden to block weeds! Use 8-10 layers, spray with water to get the layers to stick together well, and cover with your favorite mulch (I use bark mulch). This stops the seeds of weeds that are in your soil from germinating. Then over time the newspaper just decomposes but the seeds will no longer be viable by that time. Any seeds that fly in and germinate in your mulch will be easy to pull if you get them small. I have tried using landscape cloth in the past and HATE it - just my personal preference. The weeds grow up from under the sides or wherever you cut out a place for a plant/shrub/tree. Sure, it blocks the weed seeds in the soil. However, the seeds that fly in end up with their roots growing into the cloth and are very difficult to remove. Plus you really need to lay the mulch on thick to cover it. Of note, the only way to keep the seeds that fly in from germinating, regardless of landscape cloth or newspaper method, is to lay down a pre-emergent herbicide which as it says, keeps the seeds from sprouting.
Black plastic can be used BEFORE planting - like a month before - to kill off weeds and their seeds. It pretty much bakes them to death. Place it over the area in your garden and secure it well so it doesn't end up in the neighbor's yard. I also use black plastic in my vegetable garden to warm up the soil in the early spring to get a jump on things.

Answer 2

Garden cloth is mostly permanent (depending on quality and installation.) Newspaper, even multiple layers and big overlaps lasts one season. Same with cardboard.

Garden cloths are petroleum based so don't decompose as readily. Newspaper is just pressed wood pulp.

The inks are mostly soy based, no problem. As mentioned, avoid the glossy sheets as I'm not sure yet of those inks are safe.

Finally, newspaper is slippery under the mulch, Step carefully.

Answer 3

Newspaper works very well for a weed block-just lay it down and cover with grass clippings to hold it down. Holds the moisture in plus doesn't let the weeds through

Answer 4

Multiple layers is the solution. Plus, the left overs provide wonderful compost for next year. Just don't use the glossy pages.

Our city gives you a break on the garbage fees if you recycle. This is a great way to get rid of junk mail.

Answer 5

Newspaper must now be printed with non-toxic ink. It is a great mulch. I use it to kill Bermuda grass that has crept into my asparagus beds. I lay thick layers and add straw mulch over it to keep the paper from blowing away, then water well to weigh it down.

Answer 6

Yes, definitely, it works! A friend of mine always uses it in his vegetable garden and has no problems with weeds. Just be sure to use mulch or dirt on top to prevent it blowing up and all over your yard.

Answer 7

Yes! Use a very thick layer of newspaper and wet it down. Cut a small area and put in your plant. It works very well.

Answer 8

Yes but like skyhawk said and he was right it will not last as long as the cloth . You can get at least a summer out of it !! Put down a few layers the more the better .

Answer 9

Yes you can, but you must use several, several layers. The good thing is that it is bio degradable and will not damage soil no matter how many years you layer it on. If you have a dog, you can also use the paper/plastic dog food bags as a weed blocker..... when they are empty!

Answer 10

i use it all the time. Put down several layers and it'll last all summer. Blocks weeds, holds in moisture, recycles. You can cover it with mulch if you like, that works well.