July 30th 2007

Newspaper And Straw As Mulch

Today I planted some radish seeds and transplanted some broccoli and beetroot that had survived the flood. After digging the ground and planting the seeds and seedlings, I decided to mulch around the potato ducts that I am using to protect me plants from wildbirds, my poultry and my cats. The weeds grow pretty quick in my garden and after reading an article by My Grandpas Garden and TopVeg I was convinced that I had the solution. Both recommend using newspaper with straw on top because not only will this keep the weeds at bay but will also help reduce the need for frequent watering. I think this is a great idea as I have plenty of newspaper and straw and anything that will help get rid of the weeds in my garden and reduce the amount of time I spend watering the plants when it is sunny is excellent in my book. Thanks Michelle and TopVeg, I now have three rows of veggies surrounded by newspaper and straw mulch.

Posted in: Self Sufficiency

6 Comments »

  1. Bravo!!! I think that straw makes a garden look very tidy!

    Comment by Michelle — July 30, 2007 @ 6:07 pm

  2. Hi Michelle,
    I read about it on your site first and thought it was a great idea. Yes it does tidy the spot up. I will post a picture to go with this post tomorrow.
    Sara @ farmingfriends

    Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — July 30, 2007 @ 6:21 pm

  3. Hi - I agree that the straw looks tidy, but also rather comforting. All the veg look very snug - & you can keep wrapping more round them if the weeds start to encroach! Hope they do well
    TopVeg

    Comment by TopVeg — July 30, 2007 @ 7:17 pm

  4. Hi TopVeg,
    Yes it does look tidy and a great way to use all the straw from my poultry hut and pig stye. Another great idea from TopVeg. Thanks very much.
    Sara @ farmingfriends

    Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — July 30, 2007 @ 7:23 pm

  5. This is a great idea. I will try it in our kitchen garden. Thanks for the tip.

    Comment by Cottage Smallholder — July 30, 2007 @ 10:41 pm

  6. Hi Fiona,
    Yes it is a great idea and as they say it makes the veg garden look very neat. Glad to pass the top tip from TopVeg and Michelle onto others.
    Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
    Sara @ farmingfriends

    Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — July 31, 2007 @ 7:56 am

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