Don't throw away old newspapers! They can be useful in the garden

Advertising and other free newspapers that are placed in mailboxes can be annoying because they are unnecessary items that you receive against your will. However, not if you are a gardener. In that case, these newspapers can be a great and relatively safe tool for weed control.

The life hack with newspapers was shared by bloggers Jamie and Brian Boyce, who run a YouTube channel about country life. Specifically, they discuss growing vegetables on their own.

According to them, newsprint can safely protect any plants on the site from weeds because it decomposes well in the ground and is not toxic, unlike conventional herbicides. At the same time, the paper can not only halt the growth of existing plants but also prevent the development of seeds.

To use newspaper as weed paper to protect plants from weeds, first, remove all mature plants from the area you want to treat. Then, water the ground properly, place the newspaper sheets on it in several layers (usually 2-3 layers are enough), almost close to the vegetables, trees, or bushes, and moisten the treated area again - this time on top of the newspapers. All that remains is to pour mulch on top. A prepared compost mixture is fine.

Newspaper works well with mulch because it helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. At the same time, it blocks sunlight from reaching the seeds and roots of weeds, which prevents them from growing completely.

You can prepare empty beds for sowing in a similar way. In this case, it will be even easier to lay down the newspaper because you don't have to take into account the existing plants. In addition to newspapers in the beds and garden, you can also use cardboard. Within a few days, the paper will begin to decompose in the ground, so it will not create obstacles to the growth of beneficial plants. At the same time, it will enrich the soil with some nutrients.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told why the popular life hack of fertilizing cucumbers with aspirin does not work.

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