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Using cardboard for weed control is an easy-to-use yet effective way to regain control of your garden, but what goes into the process? While this humble material may not seem very powerful at first glance, it is one of the most effective ways to combat pesky greenery in your yard and flower beds.
If you’re looking for chemical-free weeding, cardboard might be the solution you’re looking for. Although, like many weed control methods, experts urge caution. So before using cardboard in your garden ideas, it’s important to learn the best practices from insiders. Here’s their advice – a nutritious, weed-free garden that costs nothing.
“Cardboard is the key to weed control when planning new beds,” says John D. Thomas, owner of Backyard Garden Geek(opens in new tab). Whether your idea for a raised garden bed calls for a new form of weed control or you’re battling weeds in your lawn, cardboard comes in handy.
“It’s thick enough to hold weeds in, but unlike landscaping fabric, it will rot over time,” says John. “This means your plants can finally get nutrients from your native soil, and beneficial insects like earthworms can enter your garden.”
The method is very simple. Fill a large box with cardboard, then place the box over the weed you want to control and press it down with rocks or bricks. “Make sure the cardboard is closed on all sides and not in contact with the ground,” says Melody Estes, director of landscape architecture and consultant for The Project Girl. (will open in a new tab)
However, despite the simplicity of the process, experts call for caution. “When using this technique, place the cardboard carefully so as not to interfere with other plants in the garden,” she says.
It is also most effective when used in the early growth stages of weeds such as foxtail (good news if you’re wondering how to get rid of dewdrops).
It can take up to a year for cardboard to fully decompose, but it depends on the type you are using. “The polyethylene used in most corrugated boards is very resistant to breakage, but boards made from recycled paper break more quickly,” explains Melody.
The cardboard breaks down in the soil, which is another advantage of the technology. In addition to weeding, decaying weeds will provide the soil with essential nutrients, making it “the perfect soil for the fresh plants of your choice,” explains Indoor Home Garden (opens in new tab) CEO and Chief Content Officer Sarah Beaumont.
“First, the cardboard needs to be moist enough for the roots to get in. Second, the cardboard needs to be placed in a place where there is no light or air circulation,” says Melody. This is to prevent the plants from drying out before they can take root and start growing.
Finally, once the plant has started to grow through the cardboard, it is helpful to use some sort of support structure to guide it towards more water and light. This ensures that it does not get tangled up with other plants and also reduces the risk of pests.
Yes, wet cardboard will rot. This is because it is a paper product that decomposes when exposed to water.
“Water swells the cellulose fibers and separates them from each other, making them more susceptible to bacteria and mold growth,” explains Melody. “The increased moisture content of the cardboard also aids these processes by creating a suitable environment for the decomposition-causing microorganisms.”
Megan is a news and trend editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a news writer covering their interiors, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As a news editor, she regularly features new microtrends, sleep and health stories, and celebrity articles. Prior to joining Future, Megan worked as a newsreader for The Telegraph after completing her Masters in International Journalism from the University of Leeds. She gained American writing experience while studying in New York City while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Meghan also focused on travel writing while living in Paris, where she created content for a French travel website. She currently lives in London with her vintage typewriter and large collection of houseplants.
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Post time: Apr-02-2023