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HomeSafeHome:  "Newspaper Gardens"  |
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Judyr808
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Judy
Hood River
Oregon
USA
23 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 8:47:24 PM
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Henlady, I like to start on good ground, build a wood frame with 2X4's about 4'sq. put a layer of straw. I've used old straw that hasn't been used, a friend had in her barn, but I think used would be fine, not from dog kennels but horse or cows should be fine.. Put seed potatoes or starts from kitchen leftovers about 8" apart, build frame another board higher and put another layer of straw, let potatoe plants grow until there are leaves then just contenue building frame and layer with straw for several layers about 4 or 5' tall. You can use good top soil instead of straw too. Hope this helps. I've had really good results with this.
Judy
Love & Light |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2011 : 07:57:01 AM
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Some year I am going to try the potatoes in straw, but this year my focus is getting on top of the weeds and thistles (I have them too Holly:))
I did read a hint in The Family Handyman if you are using mulch, it could be easily adapted to newspaper gardening too. You put an upside down plant pot, or you could use a milk jug with the bottom cut out, over each seedling, then spread your mulch. Voila - you have protected seedlings, and weed inhibiting mulch. It's one of those hints where you think - why didn't I think of that?
I do newspaper every year (for the last 4) and the 1/4 of the garden space where I have been diligent about it has finally gotten under control as far as weeds. I have a source for free burlap too so I'm adding that this year.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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loribeck
True Blue Farmgirl
588 Posts
Lori
Alvordton
36
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2019 : 6:57:18 PM
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I have read about using newspapers in the garden. I think it's a great idea. It would take me a long time to get enough papers to put down but I think using cardboard boxes would have the same results. I have a very small tiller and if putting paper and cardboard down would save me a lot of work I'm all for it.
Lori Beck |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9438 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9438 Posts |
Posted - Aug 15 2019 : 05:21:14 AM
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I have done a newspaper garden. I put down the newspaper, wet it and put soil over. It really helps keep the garden weed free. Putting in between the rows is a great idea.
Lori,
I don't know if cardboard would work as it doesn't decompose as well as the newspaper does.
I save papers all the time because in the winter we use them for starting the wood stove.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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loribeck
True Blue Farmgirl
588 Posts
Lori
Alvordton
36
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2019 : 5:27:12 PM
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Thank you Denise. I have started saving my newspapers, too. Anything to help make weeding easier is worth trying.
Lori Beck |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9438 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9438 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2019 : 04:35:49 AM
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Lori, you are right there. We didn't have a garden this year and the weeds have gone crazy. I am going to work on it this fall to prepare for next year. I should have plenty of newspaper and will put black plastic down on top over winter. In spring it should be more manageable to get started again.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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suny58
True Blue Farmgirl
4407 Posts
Dianna
Jack
Al.
USA
4407 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2019 : 6:21:46 PM
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I actually DID this this year!!! It helped tremendously with weed control BUT my other benefits were little pest invasion and a ton of beautiful soil in which many more earth worms filled the soul. Healthy veggies too! My flowers were beautiful!! I read about this long ago in one of my old garden magazines, Garden Gate, I believe. If you don't have newspaper cardboard works well also!
Farmgirl #7103
FGOTM January 2018
Dianna
"Blessed are they that see beautiful things in humble places, where other people see nothing." Pissarro |
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loribeck
True Blue Farmgirl
588 Posts
Lori
Alvordton
36
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2019 : 6:06:36 PM
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I am definitely going to use newspapers in my garden next garden season. I have noticed that there are a lot of worms in the dirt so that is a good thing. I try to give back to the ground when I can and papers are a great way to feed the earth.
Lori Beck |
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HomeSafeHome: "Newspaper Gardens" |
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"Newspaper Gardens"
