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Sheet Mulching! Smother Grass with Cardboard and Newspaper
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4 жыл бұрынSheet Mulching is THE EASIEST way to make a flower bed. In this video I show you the simple steps required to build a garden or flower bed by using cardboard and newspaper to smother the grass. This is incredibly easy to do, and very low cost. I also discuss a few ways to get free cardboard and how to go about obtaining it.
Click below to see more ways to remove grass!
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@sonofjorel1000 9 ай бұрын
I was a general manager for a "dollar store" a few years back. We used to love when customers would come in and take our cardboard. We were actually saving money when they would. Having a cardboard recycling dumpster emptied more than once a week can get expensive.
@growitbuildit 9 ай бұрын
That is good to know - thank you for sharing
@ariel9776 3 жыл бұрын
I swear the weeds actually like the landscape fabirc.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Truth. Doesn't even slow most of them down.
@slind68 2 жыл бұрын
Definitely
@towmanac7056 2 жыл бұрын
Probably so we will have to buy more product.
@finnn55 Жыл бұрын
I used landscape fabric and it worked well for 2 years-but it must be the heavier ( more expensive) type. But now I’ll try cardboard for the garden w no fabric and an abundance of the dreadful, fast growing, crabgrass taking over there!
@moniquehebert4935 7 ай бұрын
totally agree
@anchamp3514 Жыл бұрын
Just what I was looking for…Best video ever… no excess talking- good information and to the point… thank you!
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
You are very welcome An! Glad you like my video style.
@lewscott7511 2 жыл бұрын
I started doing this thirty years ago. My neighbors thought I was nuts but it worked great.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
It's my favorite way to create a garden. Absolutely easy.
@amivermillion1808 3 жыл бұрын
I can personally attest that this works. I was advised to do it to start a new perennial bed some 10-12 years ago. I decided to add dead leaves as well because I had so many. This flowerbed is still amazing and low maintenance. I like this method the best! No waste, using materials that might otherwise go into the landfill. It truly makes the best soil. I add a little compost with new plants, but basically just keep adding mulch. Let the worms do the work!
@davewarrant8673 Жыл бұрын
Are there any problems with the cardboard choking out plants that are desirable? I have a huge shade tree that doesn't grow enough grass to keep rain from washing the soil off the roots but still grows enough that I do have to mow under it.
@TheEccentricsteph 2 жыл бұрын
This works! I started with small areas a few years ago, and it worked so well I am now on a quest to kill ALL my lawn! I was able to get a truckload of woodchips (a LOT of chips...a pile the size of a mid-sized car!) delivered for free from a tree company contracted by my gas/electricity provider last year...a perk for being a customer. This year, I contacted a local arborist and they brought me a load of chips at no cost. In larger metropolitan areas, ChipDrop is another resource. Ahhhh...more garden for natives! Thanks for being a great source of information on this and winter sowing!
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome Steph! I'm very happy you are enjoying my videos! And I love hearing that you are eliminating your lawn!
@xyzsame4081 3 жыл бұрын
Charles Dowding recommends repeated application of of cardboard on the paths (to smother out weeds as they pop up again, and to create borders between beds and paths and beds and surrounding area - also with carton (smaller stripes in that case of the border, resp. sheets for the paths). At least in wet U.K. (but with cooler temps for many months) they break down in 6 weeks and newspaper likely breaks down even faster. That will define the now grow zone, so grass etc cannot creep in again, or grow sideways. And after 3 - 4 times the weed roots (even the robust ones, deep down) are exhausted.
@absolutelyKnott 3 жыл бұрын
So glad I kept searching and found this instructional video I was at a lost on how to do a small area with mulch thank goodness I have plenty of Amazon boxes to recycle and get my project done... Thank You
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome. This is really about the easiest way to make a new bed.
@cassieb1860 3 жыл бұрын
I think you are my newest obsession.🙂 My husband talked me into using landscape fabric. We just pulled it and all the dang grass it was growing and took it to the dump. What a waste all the way around! Now I am saving all my chewy and Amazon boxes! Already have a good supply going!
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Sounds good. I just planted a new bed with this method. I laid cardboard about six weeks ago. Grass was pretty much dead, but still needed to get the roots out where I planted my flowers. But nothing came through. And I only had a couple inches of mulch.
@julers1000 3 жыл бұрын
This is really fabulous info, thank you so much! We'll be using your method to get rid of our lawn. I looked at the other methods you mention for removing a lawn, and wish you hadn't of suggested the use of herbicides, Roundup in particular, no matter how fast it is. On June 24, 2020 Bayer agreed to pay $24 billion to settle cancer lawsuits across the country. And the Monarch butterfly is now near extinction levels, mainly because Roundup has wiped out milkweed across it's migratory route. We are truly poisoning ourselves and our planet. If you can use your voice to take a stand against herbicides for the health of our planet and every living creature on it, including ourselves, you can help educate people and save lives in the process. Thanks again.
@viktorkis3397 3 жыл бұрын
So happy I found your channel. Now when I’m searching something and your name pops up in the results I know not to waste time on others!
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! I'll try to keep them coming.
@biancagarza5681 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video exactly what I was looking for. Perfect instructions and straight to the point!!! 👏🏼
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
You are very welcome Bianca - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
@cryptogumbyckb1183 Жыл бұрын
I'm thinking this is exactly what I'm going to do in this makes total sense and what a back-breaking saving method
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
This is by far the easiest way to remove grass. And I've tried just about every method imaginable.
@michaellippmann4474 3 жыл бұрын
Another place to get cardboard is appliance stores! You get nice big boxes. I have used loads of it around our place...great video. Thanks Mike 🇨🇦🍁
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Good tip!
@bs4638 3 жыл бұрын
Walmart, Giant, etc....pretty much any grocery store will have small to medium sized boxes
@shaunac9385 4 жыл бұрын
I've done this on a 7meter x 7meter patch of my lawn. It 10/10 works and it's fascinating. I wet mine down before covering with compost and when you wet the cardboard it goes like a floppy thick leather and it becomes even more workable and fun to use. Fun project, more people must get into this method. Also works on established perennial gardens in early spring, the wet cardboard method works best for working around plants.
@growitbuildit 4 жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more. I just did another area of our yard, removing invasive shrubs, etc. The only problem was I ran out of cardboard half-way through and had to resort to the shovel method for grass removal. Still worked, just a bit more effort.
@jaygardner2338 4 жыл бұрын
I'm just getting started removing my lawn and converting my yard to a native texas plant garden. I am going to do this!!!!
@lyricarol 2 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit I'm going to try the thick brown paper that painters spread on a floor to protect it. I got a 100 foot roll for about $7.50.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Curious to hear how it works out. It may be worth a test in the Spring
@lyricarol 2 жыл бұрын
Using this method, I started turning my Vermont backyard into beds about six weeks ago. I love doing it this way. I first learned about it in the South. Thanks Marianne! I'm in New England, now, but lived in South Carolina before now. Red clay! It took a pick axe to break new ground, and of course, I had to amend like crazy. Whenever we dug a new hole, we tossed the red dirt and replaced it with a nice soil mix and mulched. I couldn't afford as much mulch as you use, but 3 inches worked out. I added more each year. Then I started enlarging my starter beds with sheets of newspaper. Worked like a charm! So much easier! By the time we moved, my beds covered about half the lawn space.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Carol - I scored all that mulch free. A relative lived in a municipality that allowed free mulch to residents. He loaded up his pick-up and came on over. Sounds like you had quite the garden when you moved. Cheers.
@springsunshine8944 3 жыл бұрын
I did this and it really works.! I found for myself wetting cardboard before putting down was easier for me..I got a childs swimming pool to use to soak cardboard in....worms love this and areate ground underneath the cardboard....makes a really good soil.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more. This is the best way to make a garden.
@sonadiya6898 3 жыл бұрын
Wow......it's amazing technic, I will apply in my kitchen garden for weeds.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
You'll love it Sona
@sonadiya6898 3 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit 😊😊
@dalebailey754 Жыл бұрын
I moved into my home in the country back in December. I bought some furniture at a junk store that I painted, so I layed cardboard down outside to use as a painting surface. Everywhere I had that cardboard, I have bald spots now. Cardboard really works! I’m about to put it everywhere I want to grow things to snuff out the weeds.
@dalebailey754 Жыл бұрын
I live in East Texas, and I recommend wetting the cardboard, as the wind will blow it everywhere if you don’t. Rocks, bricks, and large sticks can help keep it in place until you get your growing media or mulch on it.
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Those are all good tips. Keeping it moist really is key for it to decompose.
@sleepingtiger4436 Жыл бұрын
TIP: wet the cardboard! just spray it quickly with hose and wait 1 minute. and it becomes very easy to place cut and it reduces shifting!
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Excellent tip!
@baytate8612 3 жыл бұрын
I just found your channel and I'm so thankful!!!
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
I'm happy you are liking the videos I put out there! Thank you.
@r3jk8 10 ай бұрын
amazing!!!! thank you! I'm going for it! replacing my entire front lawn!!!
@growitbuildit 10 ай бұрын
Excellent! Good luck!
@melodies5622 Жыл бұрын
Or just use your grass clippings from the bag, refresh every time you cut. Once the under grass is smothered, blow away the clippings or till them down. The grass clipping start to 'cook' within 3 days of being laid down, the seeds in the clippings are not able to sprout because of the heat. Its basically composting grass where you want the bed to be. It helps feterilize and build the soil for the new bed too. Been doing this for 3 years and dont have issues with grass growing in my new flower beds. Also use it for mulching my existing beds instead of spending money on regular mulch.just dont crowd the base of the plants you want to live there..
@oldsoulfarmlife2105 4 жыл бұрын
Looking good! We've always wet it down with good results!
@growitbuildit 4 жыл бұрын
Nice - My only complaint is that it isn't the most practical for wild type areas. But for flower beds it is excellent.
@oldsoulfarmlife2105 4 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit definitely doesn't work well on brush that's for sure!
@glenorie8530 2 жыл бұрын
Watching from Trinidad and Tobago.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Happy to have you watching Glen!
@venicelight1320 4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic solution! Thank you!
@growitbuildit 4 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome! I'm glad it helped you!
@jmad318 Жыл бұрын
Haven't tried this source, but someone else recommended mattress stores for finding free large thick cardboard
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
That would probably be a good source for cardboard.
@bluefeatherhomestead 10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much. Just what I was looking for! New S. 👍. ~Sammie
@growitbuildit 10 ай бұрын
You are welcome Sammie! Good luck!
@bubblesmckenzie4125 2 жыл бұрын
You are very sharp.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@TSD0416 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video tutorial and for showing how to plant other small shrubs in the future. I wanted to make a flower bed in my front yard but I don't have the strength to dig the flower bed. This method is so cool and easy I think I can manage in one weekend.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome Tiggy! And yes, it is that easy. I'm actually about to go expand our veggie garden using this method tomorrow. (My kids want their own vegetable garden).
@TSD0416 2 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit wow this is awesome. Please make a tutorial out of it. Right now I’m growing my vegetables in containers because our soil is hard clay that no one in their right mind would want to dig into. It would be great to see a vegetable garden on top of hard clay.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Instead of using mulch I intend to use compost. Then just plant either directly in compost, or dig a small amount under the cardboard. But for an absolutely wonderful method to improve your soil, check out my leaf mulch videos. Applying a thick layer of leaf mulch is the single best thing I've done to improve soil. It makes it drain better and reduces compaction.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
This one, and the follow up. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/od-Jo6p_v7Wnp3k.html
@TSD0416 2 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit Thank you kindly. I will definitely check it out.
@howard977 3 жыл бұрын
mow the grass really short and then dump the grass clippings around the trees to feed them nitrogen , then cardboard, then compost or non dyed mulched .
@calista1280 4 ай бұрын
Be careful, not to lay clippings too thick or ccer before dry, as the grass clippings will get very hot as they decompose and may ignite the paper products or themselves...🔥
@brendafoster9504 3 жыл бұрын
i was kinda surprised u cover seeds bulbs etc back up with cardboard. great vids.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
The plants just need a pathway to get through the cardboard. Nature finds a way.
@gladysfonseca9698 2 жыл бұрын
Love it, thank you very much, today I learned something new.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome Gladys! Glad you enjoyed it
@dottisiders6932 4 жыл бұрын
thanks, i needed that inspiration :)
@growitbuildit 4 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome Dotti. Good Luck!
@erikswartzendruber8629 7 ай бұрын
This is a good method in many areas, BUT not everywhere. in western Oregon we have a creeping bentgrass that grows through and around cardboard. You can still smother it, but you probably need 3-4 layers of cardboard. Plan to redo the cardboard in areas where it breaks down, and figure on 1 to 2 years before the grass is dead. Sorry for the bad news, but i've seen too many disappointing sheet mulching jobs around here...
@growitbuildit 7 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing that. We don't have that grass where I live, so it is good to know.
@jdkarns 3 жыл бұрын
Great video thanks! You are right landscape fabric is a nightmare. After 3 years weeds grew on top, roots worked through the fabric and took hold underneath, the fabric became locked down tight to the ground and prepping the flower beds turned into a fiasco. The work to remove the fabric was unreal. I thought I would die before I finished.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Awful stuff. I just removed the last from the previous owners, I think.
@GMarieWrites 3 жыл бұрын
Yep. I moved into my house 7 years ago and every year have worked on removing extensive river rock including rock that has worked several inches into the soil (meaning the soil is Incredibly dense with rock so much so that you can’t plant in it or get the plastic out that is beneath it. compromised/sunk in landscape fabric . Done with the front yard and just starting on the back yard. This is landscape fabric that has been here for decades and is now shredded like lace. Horrible - had no idea I was getting into this.
@annabelcleare138 Жыл бұрын
Couch grass, bindweed, alkanet - all manage to get through pretty much anything! But it does make them easier to control.
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
I haven't had to deal with those, at least not in a garden setting yet.
@annabelcleare138 Жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit you’re lucky! We have all three here in west London and they’re certainly keeping me busy!! (Couch grass goes by many names - it’s that rhizome grass which can live dormant underground for many years and it’s roots can pierce wood)
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
I've got Bindweed in the area, but it hasn't made it to a flowerbed yet! Couch grass I'm not familiar with,but will have to look up
@patrickdonnell3591 3 жыл бұрын
Splendid!
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
This is by far the easiest method of constructing a flower bed. I've done nearly every method imaginable. This is the best.
@lisabailey5338 2 жыл бұрын
I am glad for those finding free newspaper and cardboard. Places here get money from recycle places so it is more difficult to get. Walmart, furniture, appliance places are saying now. I watch for people moving in as ask them if they are not reselling theirs. Even if I had to buy boxes still better than the landscape fabric. Wish I could tear it out of my entire yard.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more Lisa. I hate landscape fabric! It is one of the biggest wastes of money someone could make.
@trizhaay 2 ай бұрын
We have a long, narrow area that we can’t keep under control. We’ll try this tomorrow-can’t get any worse.
@growitbuildit 2 ай бұрын
It works for almost any grass. I've heard that bermuda takes a couple sheets of cardboard. But have no direct experience. Good luck!
@trizhaay 2 ай бұрын
@@growitbuildit thank you!
@ingridferg9779 Жыл бұрын
Wish I knew this before we threw gravel stones on a huge unused patch at the back of the house. There are weeds growing right through the landscaping material and up through the stones
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Ahhhh - I feel your pain Ingrid. I absolutely hate rock!
@williamtaylor2412 2 жыл бұрын
LOVE THIS
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Bill
@christinegipple1207 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this! I’m excited to get started. 😊
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
This is by far the easiest method of building a flower bed/garden. And I've removed grass in almost every way imaginable. This method has the least effort BY FAR.
@christinegipple1207 3 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit I’m healing from a hip surgery so I don’t have the same stamina yet and our yard looks awful. It’s making me crazy. I’ll be on the hunt for cardboard for the next few weeks!
@m.51373 Жыл бұрын
Great idea!!!
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
It's my preferred way to remove grass
@clarissasamuel932 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your video x
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
You are very welcome Clarissa!
@lesliewilkins7686 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome Leslie!
@higherselfabove Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Thank you April!
@missdyi 3 жыл бұрын
thank you
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
You are welcome Saran.
@Ladypeace12312 Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
You are welcome A W
@mildredwilkins5781 3 жыл бұрын
Go on weekends, they are selling stuff and leaving the boxes out back to dispose of later cause they're busy
@bs4638 3 жыл бұрын
In most grocery stores, like Walmart, Giant, etc., they restock shelves late in the night. Go there an hour or so before closing, walk through the aisles and ask the people stocking the shelves if it is ok to take a few of the cardboard boxes. They usually put them in recycle bins, so it is fine for them.
@pattyprepper3827 2 жыл бұрын
I also learned you can get brown boxes from bike shops and that they will even cut them up for you so the boxes fit in your car. :)
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
That is a nice tip Patty.
@QLC21 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks - it works well!
@R.L.U. 2 жыл бұрын
Auto body shops have huge boxes! Liquor stores always have free boxes as well.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Nice tips!
@TheWirewitch 3 жыл бұрын
Cool hack!
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
This is by far the easiest method for making a garden.
@TheWirewitch 3 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit It looks really easy and I always have cardboard. Will be doing this when I move to my new place :)
@user-vq1bu7dw5v 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for your video. I planning to clean my side back yard. In this video you just put the papers on the top op grass and mulches. Grass won’t be grow up through the mulches? It’s silly question but ..I am totally beginner. Have no idea about gardening or landscaping. Appreciate it.
@growitbuildit 2 ай бұрын
Hi - very thick layers of newspaper (10 sheets or more) is enough to stop the grass from growing through. It will stay as a barrier long enough for the grass to die. This method works well, and is by far the easiest way to make a flowerbed or garden.
@Hinnybezoz 3 жыл бұрын
Cardboard works great for preventing weeds. I tried using cardboard along with the weed preventer sheets, and then stones top of that. That has prevents weeds for several years. I plan to use cardboard, weed preventer sheet, and mulch this time. That might be too much. Please feel free to comment.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Hi - you will probably have weed seeds blow in from the yard/ street that will germinate from time to time. But that can't be helped. I think your set-up sounds good.
@erayapana 9 ай бұрын
What would you recommend for Bermuda? And what about a pea gravel patio? Most recommend landscape fabric, but I wonder if cardboard would work as a base for pea gravel? Or perhaps thick plastic?
@growitbuildit 9 ай бұрын
Hi - I'm sorry but I don't have any straight recommendations on dealing with Bermuda. It doesn't grow up here so I just don't have any experience. I would strongly suggest that you call your local ag extension office and ask their advice. Surely they've had that question before.
@MandyRose525 3 жыл бұрын
Great video. I’ve been doing this on my property for a few years now but I keep getting grass moving in from the sides. How do you prevent this? You mentioned “edging” around the mulch. How do you do your edging? Thanks!
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mandy - I'll be doing a video of this later this Spring - actually, right where I put this cardboard/mulch because I never got around to it. But it is really simple. Take a flat shovel, aka a garden spade - this is like the one I use - amzn.to/2QQFcwc And then go around the perimeter, and stab straight down about 2-3". Then, just outside of that perimeter, about 1-2" wider, stab the shovel at a 45-60 degree angle. You should be able to basically peel up the sod/strip by just yanking on the grass. Why this works is that grass will send out horizontal runner roots, but at the height of the root crown. When it meets the air gap that you just created, it will not send those roots down, under and back up. But this works very well. You won't have to trim around these areas either. At least not much. Good luck!
@jmas2312 3 жыл бұрын
Hardware stores are good for cardboard for this. They get a lot of big stuff in so you can usually find a lot bigger boxes.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
This is a good suggestion - thank you
@JVANDNETO 3 жыл бұрын
active legend portugues 👍🏼😉🇧🇷❤🇧🇷
@handsomehardy 4 жыл бұрын
I did this two years ago. Now I have rich, dark,worm infested soil, so easy.
@growitbuildit 4 жыл бұрын
Outstanding. I love doing this, but I just don't always have the cardboard!
@springsunshine8944 3 жыл бұрын
Soil test your lawn...Some weeds only grow in certain pH levels....local extension office can help you do that yourself... Each state has one...
@wellenglenn5111 3 жыл бұрын
Can you plant bulbs that multiply or that you need to dig back up during the fall using this method? Can dahlias and hostas punch through the cardboard?
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Wellen - I am afraid I can't answer your question from my direct experience. Since you generally do this method to 'start over' or to make a new bed, I'm guessing that they (and most any other plant) would not be able to punch back through cardboard. However, if you know where your bulbs are located, you can always make an 'X' or small hole in the cardboard. I've done that for bare root plants and they were able to squeeze through the cracks.
@wellenglenn5111 3 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit Thanks for your help. I consulted with another gardener and she said it is effective, and you are correct. Simply cut through the paper when you are ready to plant your bulbs in the spring. Then by fall, the paper eventually will have disintegrated and you can dig the bulbs up if need be.
@lyricarol 2 жыл бұрын
I'm putting about 100 bulbs in this fall. I'll use an auger to dig holes right through the cardboard. I've also used a pointed spade to create holes for larger plants. Works just fine. I don't dig up bulbs until they need to be separated and my hosta weather right where they are, but I don't see why you couldn't lift them out the same way you put them in.
@trevornewkirk7835 3 ай бұрын
I couldn’t find your note anywhere but would this work with the Bermuda Grass?
@growitbuildit 3 ай бұрын
Hi - I haven't been able to find out if this does in fact work with bermuda grass. I have heard from several people that it can work if you double the cardboard. But, you must make sure there isn't more bermuda grass surrounding the area you are doing, as their underground rhizomes will eventually migrate their way to the mulched area over time.
@clownbait7035 3 ай бұрын
Hey there so I want to replace my lawn with creeping thyme, creeping mazus and perrywinkle. I really don't want to dig all my lawn out....could I just cover With newspaper or cardboard, then topsoil then plant and let it spread?
@growitbuildit 3 ай бұрын
Yes.
@pamelaharnoisart Жыл бұрын
How long did you wait before planting those flowers. I’m in Connecticut zone 5 - so I was thinking of doing the cardboard/mulch in the fall and just let it sit and kill the grass over winter. Has anyone tried doing this?
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi - it will definitely be ready by Spring. But even if you find cardboard, just cut an 'x' into it and peal back the cardboard, plant your plant, and place the cardboard back leaving a gap to the stem. I've done that in other beds and had good results.
@fossgoddess 2 жыл бұрын
Cardboard is the way to go for sure... I do like to scalp the grass first (down to the dirt) with my weed wacker.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
It is by far the easiest method. I completely agree Marianne!
@galinswigart 2 ай бұрын
Any experience doing this with standard wood chips instead of mulch? They break down more slowly I would imagine but can be purchased for 1/5 the cost and even found for free if you ask a landscaper looking to get rid of chips. I'm just afraid there's something I'm missing about using chips which has made me hesitant
@growitbuildit 2 ай бұрын
Hi - wood chips will work perfectly fine in place of mulch. Go for it!
@timnardoni1885 3 ай бұрын
Newb question: I bought four bags of potting soil last week to fill a dip in the yard and start a small flower garden. A friend gave me seeds. Will this dirt on top of cardboard/newspaper work okayish vs. mulch?
@growitbuildit 3 ай бұрын
Yes, that will work. Just make sure you put down 2-4" of dirt. That will help retain moisture, etc. You will probably want to cover it with some straw too, as that will help retain the moisture. Seeds need to be moist and at the appropriate temp to germinate. Also, it make take a couple weeks.
@danl455 5 ай бұрын
Does the inc seep into the soil
@growitbuildit 5 ай бұрын
If there is colored ink, there will likely be trace elements of heavy metals. Now, this won't be much, but it will be there. If you stick to brown cardboard with or without black ink, then it will be ok. Black ink is soy-based, and decomposes just fine.
@hosta127 2 жыл бұрын
Just an amen about landscape fabric. The previous owner put it EVERYWHERE!!! Soil has silted over it 3-4 inches, roots and weeds are growing through it, and it is impossible to remove.
@RichardH1970 Жыл бұрын
I found cardboard can be a problem around trees and gardens because it stops small amounts of rain and irrigation getting through to the soil and roots. In the dry season small amounts of rain are important for the plants. Have you found this effects plant growth? Regards Richard
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi Richard - if you get the cardboard very wet initially and pile it with lots of mulch, it will hole the moisture all season in my temperate (southern PA) climate. I haven't had any issue with that, and as you can see I had White Cedar trees in the video which like moist soil. Well, the cardboard decomposed fully within 3 months, and the trees are around 10' tall now.
@timnardoni1885 3 ай бұрын
Newbie here. @4:40 do you really cover the seed back up with cardboard and mulch? Does this work for *any* seed? (Wildflowers, etc.)
@growitbuildit 3 ай бұрын
Hi - that wasn't seed, but a bare root. The 'x' in the cardboard will allow the shoots to push through. And then it can do likewise with the cardboard. Bare roots are mature flowers that are dormant, that you can buy/plant in Spring.
@Collinsmomy Жыл бұрын
Can you do this with gravel?
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi Tracy - you could use gravel instead of mulch. But I've got to warn you, even with gravel the weeds will eventually come, as seeds will blow in. The gravel would need to be pretty thick to counteract that.
@ThaStonedGardner Жыл бұрын
I literally just threw out a metric f**k ton of big cardboard boxes I had from moving into a new house. A house with an acre and a half of nice grass I'm planning to get rid of and turn into a giant garden. If only I had known this was a method...wouldn't have went to the landfill recycling center two days ago!
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Ahhh - that is terrible timing. Ask as your local grocery store manager or Home Depot. They should have some huge boxes that they wouldn't mind giving away. I've also heard furniture stores have tons of cardboard too.
@Strongasmeat 2 жыл бұрын
As someone who hates yardwork and is super lazy, I can't wait to use this method. Do you need to wait a certain time before planting though?
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Marc- if you make an 'X' and dig under that, you can plant pretty quickly. I show this at the end of the video, but unfortunately you need to look through the end screen.
@judystone5478 Жыл бұрын
I plan to replace lawn with wildflowers. I have oodles of cardboard and access to mulch/woodchips/compost. But what about those grass rhizomes--they seem impossible to get rid of. Is there something non-toxic to kill them or is my only option to keep digging them up? Thanks for the great vid.
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi - pile enough mulch and they will not live. If you are worried about a neighbor's lawn creeping in, then you should consider making a barrier with landscape rock planted deep enough to stop the roots, a trench, or some other barrier. I have had comments on here regarding that Bermuda grass was able to poke through. But regular turf grass should be fine.
@judystone5478 Жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit Thank you so much! You've given me confidence!
@TheGoodGuise Жыл бұрын
the only place I used landscape fabric in my lawn was for the playground I put in for my kids I wouldn't use the stuff anywhere else
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
I can't stand the stuff.....I have 5" mulch under the swings. Just grass everywhere else.
@TheGoodGuise Жыл бұрын
@growitbuildit I have about 2000 acres of barren land (formerly agricultural) west and south of me and the weeds that blow over my fence is a never ending battle.
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Ouch. That is never ending
@springsunshine8944 3 жыл бұрын
Weed prevent on top of mulching works good..
@NJGirlinATX 3 жыл бұрын
What is weed prevent?
@peterl.104 3 жыл бұрын
@@NJGirlinATX I assume SS meant a weed pre-emergent (e.g. Preen Weed Preventer).
@cecilialanders7037 9 ай бұрын
I saw this twice but I still need to ask. When you cut through the cardboard and insert your seeds, you said that you cover it back up with cardboard and then mulch. Won't this prevent the plant from growing since this is the method you use to prevent grass and weeds? I am confused.
@growitbuildit 9 ай бұрын
Hi Cecilia - that is for transplants - not seeds! I would not plant seeds under cardboard! The seed would probably germinate in the mulch assuming it was finely shredded, and grow quite well though.
@xhorton 3 жыл бұрын
I have a natural Florida lawn. I’m going to use this method to smother out the weeds and create a beautiful bed. When we’re not having spring showers it’s very dry and I rely on the sprinkler system. Currently it’s set up with large risers and shrub sprayers to cover the area. However with a lot of mulch and the cardboard this doesn’t seem like the best application for watering. What exactly would you recommend perhaps a drip line on every flower?
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
I think your current set up would work, but just take a bit more time. I could see where a dripline would save on water, but I'm not sure how much. As osmosis would probably spread the water a bit.
@richardchoromanski Жыл бұрын
instead of using mulch can you use topsoil on top of the cardboard
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi Richard, yes you could do that. Just make sure the cardboard stays moist so it eventually breaks down.
@jajachild4555 2 жыл бұрын
USPS delivers packaging boxes for free
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
That's right!
@fatenhappy1 8 ай бұрын
what variety of grass is that ... thanks
@growitbuildit 8 ай бұрын
I really don't know - it is just some cool season mix. Sorry.
@pardwayne 2 жыл бұрын
Where do you get newspaper in the 2020s?
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
From your parents, or advertising in the mail
@puzzlhound 4 жыл бұрын
Can I plant in it right away, or do I need to wait for the grass to die off first?
@growitbuildit 4 жыл бұрын
If you are careful, you can plant. 1 - Rake away the mulch until you reach the cardboard. 2 - Carefully cut an 'X' or make a small hole in the cardboard. Remove any grass that could come up, or tuck it underneath the cardboard. 3 - Plant your flower/veggie. 4 - Seal the hole up with the cardboard 'X'. This is the process that I do, and it works well.
@aurorasingh3452 3 ай бұрын
Would this work for xeriscaping a front lawn as well? Like can I put cardboard and then just heavy rocks on top?
@growitbuildit 3 ай бұрын
It would help, but you're going to need some moisture to get the cardboard to actually break down. Personally, I'm not a fan of using gravel of any kind for gardens. The weed seeds will still blow in, and still germinate, and the rocks just make them harder to pull.
@aurorasingh3452 3 ай бұрын
@@growitbuildit so best method would be to just remove the grass and then add the rocks? We’re just trying to not have a lawn to mow anymore 😅
@growitbuildit 3 ай бұрын
Hi - I fully understand. You may want to research Buffalo Grass, as that tolerates dry climate and doesn't grow longer than 12", but flops over, giving a nice carpet. growitbuildit.com/buffalo-grass-bouteloua-dactyloides/
@raghvendradharwada2751 4 жыл бұрын
You said this method does not work for Bermuda grass and you disppointed me, because I was going to try on my Bermuda grass. Actually I already have a huge flower bed but my lawn grass kept growing eventually even though I mulched my flower bed. Now I was going to try on the grass that took over the flower bed. Any solution to this one? I am still going to try and see but just wanted to check if there is any alternate option. Also what type of mulch did you use?
@growitbuildit 4 жыл бұрын
Hi - I've not tried this for Bermuda grass, but I have read about others who tried and failed. But for regular turf grass, this method works very well. Also, to help prevent grass from growing into your flower bed, you can edge it with a flat shovel. You basically dig a small trench around the flower bed about 1-2" wide by 2-3" deep.
@xyzsame4081 3 жыл бұрын
Charles Dowding recomends having borders (bed to path, and bed to surrounding are) and to define them with cardboard, smothering out grass there. (repeatedly). He is in the UK and the cardboard disappears within 6 weeks during the growing season, it breaks down, but of course they usually have a lot of rain. Maybe a thicker mulch layer will help (or even wood chips just do not work them INTO the soil), and exhausting the root of the grass by removing what can be easily removed.
@xyzsame4081 3 жыл бұрын
Back to Eden Paul Gautchi recommends newspaper because it clings even better to the underground as soon as it is wet - smothering all life under it (one could do a good layer of newspapers and cardboard on top, you just have to help the planted seedling to get through by creating an opening as shown in this video).
@natesmom2244 Жыл бұрын
I'm going to be trying this method in my backyard. Can you put garden soil on top of the carboard first, then the mulch or is it not needed? I will be planting a lot of flowers.
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi J - the if you are using garden soil on top, the mulch may not be needed. But know that it will probably have a lot more water demands without the mulch. The cardboard needs to stay moist to break down, and your plants will need plenty of water once it gets hot.
@prasannalakshmi8250 2 жыл бұрын
Hello. Thank you for the wonderful video. Can i use cardboard on top of sprinklers? How does this cardboard layering work with sprinklers in the flower bed ? Please advice. Ty
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Prasanna - I think if you cut holes for the sprinklers it would be fine. But otherwise the Sprinklers probably won't rise with the weight of the cardboard/mulch on top of them.
@tomcahill6981 Жыл бұрын
I have had a perennial garden for a number of years. I am planning on covering it with with cardboard and mulch before moving my raised garden bed, which I use for veggies this year. Any tips as to how it should work. The bed is about 20x20
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi Tom - this method should work just fine for your purpose.
@katarinarichards4068 Жыл бұрын
Hi, I am curious to know if you had any grass grow back. If so, to what degree. Any suggestion on how to tackle Bermuda grass?
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Hi Katarina - I never had the grass grow back. It will try to creep in from the side, but you need to either pull it or provide a barrier. I am not sure this would work against Bermuda grass though. As that is quite tough. I'm afraid that I have no direct experience to offer you there.
@user-lp9gs5pn2m Жыл бұрын
0:33 does this also kill weeds?
@growitbuildit Жыл бұрын
Yes
@cleres3230 2 жыл бұрын
Great info. How long before weeds start popping up again?
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Hi C - No weeds, or weed seeds that are under the cardboard will grow. But - as soon as weed seeds blown into the mulch, they can germinate on top (like dandelions). That is how most of the weeds arrive.....which is just another reason why you shouldn't bother with the landscape fabric. No weed 'barrier' will stop seeds from coming on top.
@marial5198 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, I am a super beginner gardener. i wanted to use this technique (newspaper + cardboard) but for a vegetable bed. Does it work for vegetables as you described for a flower bed? My second question is regarding planting soil and top soil. I bought a couple of bags of both, but it seems you use only mulch. Thanks so much for your video!
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Maria - this method is basically the 'Charles Dowding' method. Look him up, and you will see that he has been using this method for decades in England to make his vegetable gardens with great success. Instead of mulch, he uses compost. He plants his vegetable starts in the compost on top of the compost. But, if you don't have compost, just make an 'X' in the cardboard and peel it back. Plant your seedling into the soil, and recover with mulch. I actually show this at the very end of the video, when the end-screen is on (youtube rookie mistake). But since you are just getting started in gardening, you may find this helpful. I wrote a step by step guide to start gardening recently. And I think you may find it useful, as it has no 'fluff' - just the info you need to know. I will be making a video on the article at some point soon, but until then, you may get some value out of it. Let me know if you have more questions, and I will try to answer them. Here is a link to the article - growitbuildit.com/how-to-start-a-vegetable-garden-in-your-backyard/
@marial5198 3 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit thank you so very much! I will check it all out!
@ibaig71 3 жыл бұрын
Hi,very helpful video, can I use grass killer spray before laying cardboard for better result? Thanks.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Hi - there is no need to use a grass killer spray. The cardboard does the trick.
@mah6183 2 жыл бұрын
Bicycle shops have large cardboard boxes.
@growitbuildit 2 жыл бұрын
Good info - thank you for sharing!
@slhemp3556 3 жыл бұрын
Instead of a mulch garden, I want to create a layer of stone blocks to place and stabilize earth-boxes/container pots (for vegetables). The vegetable containers would sit on top of the stones. I realize that I may have to add mulch to further cover up the cardboard, but I wanted your thoughts on this idea. You’ve covered a lot and provided additional resources, but I haven’t found an example that’s quite what I’m looking for. I hope you can advise. Thank you.
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Hi SL - if you are talking about larger landscaping stones and having large pots on top of them (with mulch in-between), it could work. But I am generally against using smaller stones in place of mulch. This is because when weeds come (and they will), it is incredibly frustrating to pull any weeds. They will break off at rock level and come right back in a couple of days. I grew up with a rock covered area nearby, and sometimes I had the chore of pulling the weeds. You barely got any at all. It is totally different than a thick mulch layer, where weeds come up pretty easily.
@slhemp3556 3 жыл бұрын
@@growitbuildit thank you for the thorough response. Yes, I’m looking at larger stones for the very reason you mentioned-weeds. I have 3 landscaping areas with smaller rocks and the weeds are a challenge, I spray them, but I know it’s not the best solution. Again, thanks for the advice. I’m also a new subscriber. 🙋🏾♀️
@highridgegraphics2816 Жыл бұрын
Do u put the newspaper down first and then cardboard on top of that
@slhemp3556 Жыл бұрын
@@highridgegraphics2816 yes, I would put the newspaper (now I’d use non glossy cardboard, like Amazon boxes without tape) down first. I’d probably add weed cloth too. It may not help much, but it can’t really hurt-anything to keep weeds down.
@buggarden6813 Жыл бұрын
Where I get free cardboard has free mulch and woodchip a few feet away. Open 24 hours is the best part.
@flowerpixel 3 жыл бұрын
I'm not trying to kill an entire lawn but I have small patches of crabgrass I'm trying to smother with two sheets of brown paper. Idk if that's not thick enough I'll go back and add more layers
@growitbuildit 3 жыл бұрын
Smothering would work to kill what is there.
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