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Pulaski Tn [email protected]

i WAS READING MOTHER EARTH NEWS (I THINK) AND THERE WAS A ARTICLE ABOUT MULCHING WITH NEWSPAPER AND CARDBOARD..SOUNDS INTERESTING TO ME.I CAN GET BALES OF SHREADED CARDBOARD WHICH WOULD BE LIKE USING STRAW..I GUESS.. ANY OF Y'ALL EVER MULCHED WITH THESE? ANY PROS.. OR CONS??THAKKS,BLKCLOUD

1/27/2003 1:55:48 PM

Montoursville, PA

I use all newspapers that come into the house. I do not shread them. Lay out about a whole newspaper section thick and sprinkle with leaves for better appearance in gardens.

I till everything down in the fall when adding more leaves some fertilizers, more manure, lime if needed, one half of the Ironite and plant a rye cover crop.

1/27/2003 2:13:08 PM

Massillon, Ohio

we always used to put layers of newspaper (covered with straw) around our rows of green beans, peas, and also tomatoes. this summer we used cardboard and straw around the tomatoes. this really keeps weeds down 100% and composts well by the next spring.

1/27/2003 3:12:14 PM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

wHAT DOES THE PURPOSE OF THE STRAW IF ITS ON TOP OF THE CARDBOARD??

1/27/2003 4:58:09 PM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

i MEANT.. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE..

1/27/2003 4:59:03 PM

Montoursville, PA

Anything on top may be cosmetic. It would be in my weak mind. It would not blow about the neighborhood quite as much as leaves and paper. I vote for leaves. They are a little bit better than straw from a nutrient stand point.

1/27/2003 5:51:07 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

I've tried the newspaper and cardboard thing. The wind took 'em all over the property even with dirt on top to hold down. Just made a mess, especially when wet.
AGED horse manure makes great mulch, feeds and keeps weeds down. I use it to cover my vines as well, good stuff. Slow and steady nutrients right at the root nodes on down.

1/27/2003 6:57:16 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Regarding horse manure...I'll cover a large load (15+ tons) with black plastic and let it *cook* for 4 months or so. Great compost, pumpkins love it.

1/27/2003 6:59:56 PM