Organic Weed Control

I couldn’t live without my newspaper. Not because I actually read the newspaper, but because it does my weeding for me! Newspaper is a highly effective way to snuff out established weeds in the garden. It creates a biodegradable barrier so that sunlight cant reach weed and grass roots and doesnt allow them to grow.

Put it on thick and overlap well!
Place 8 sheets of newspaper in your garden bed, keeping it 3″ away from stems of established plants. Water, so the paper doesnt blow away while youre working. Cover with mulch, wood chips or even dirt. Last step, just as important… sprinkle pre-emergent herbicide such as Preen on the finished job, to keep weed seeds from blowing on your lovely weedless garden bed and taking root.

Now, I heard on the radio that the Chicago tribune will be closing its print division. Though I cant back that up with online proof, its a sad thought and my most inexpensive weed control will no longer exist. Ive already started thinking about alternatives.

Cardboard works well, I’ve used it. Paper grocery bags would probably work. Paper refuse bags, the type used for yard waste would be fantastic for weed control. Theyre thick and large and plentiful in the fall. I’ve put it on my schedule to visit the local recycling center to see if they wouldnt give up their bags of leaves (which also makes incredible compost!)