Cheap Mulch

One thing that Mary and I have found over the last couple of years is a cheaper way to mulch. We still use a thin layer of mulch but underneath of it we place a layer of newspapers or cardboard (non-glossy kind). We use at least 8 pages of newspaper or 1 layer of cardboard. I always enjoy putting these down. It is like putting together a simple jigsaw puzzle. We found this method very effective in keeping the weeds down.


The other thing that we try to do is plant our plants close enough together that they will shade out the weeds when they are mature. We also try to use native or low maintenance plants. My favorite saying is "I will water and baby it for the first year. After that if it does not live, then it was not meant for my landscaping (except for food producing plants). " This is a time saver as well as a more sustainable landscaping practice.


I thought of this subject today because Mary and I spent the afternoon laying cardboard and mulch in the new ornamental herb garden at church. Chuck had asked for some quiet time this afternoon for Father's Day and Makenzie was napping so it gave Mary and I the perfect opportunity to get some work done. We had asked congregational members to bring in extra carboard boxes and/or newspapers so we could put them under the mulch. A gentleman in the congregation had just moved to a new home so he volunteered to bring us the boxes he used as he unpacked them. It was beneficial to both of us.


Cardboard with mulch was a better option for us than black plastic and mulch om this new bed. Using the cardboard method, it allows the plants to expand while keeping the weeding to a minimum until they mature and can shade out the weeds themselves. As the cardboard composts under the mulch it will disappear as the plants get larger and also create organic matter for them. Black plastic would be there for years and not allow the plants to expand as well.


Next time, you mulch try laying cardboard or newspaper before putting down the mulch in a small area. You can compare it as time goes on to your current method of mulching and see which method in your opinion controls the weeds better and keeps the plants healthier.

Happy mulching!