Management Practices- Laying Cardboard

 

When considering some organic, creative ways we could manage weed growth in our two raised beds, we decided to give recycled cardboard a try. Cardboard can be a more sustainable option than other ground covers that are made with plastics or other synthetic materials. The cardboard will function to shade out and dampen weed growth. After laying the cardboard down, we covered the bed with compost and laid the drip irrigation lines on top. When placing our transplants, we cut appropriately sized holes in the cardboard and plant our transplant into the compost layer. As the cardboard and the dead weeds begin to decompose, they will also benefit our crops by releasing nutrients back into the soil.