Newspapers for a Greener Garden

Newspapers, especially the inexpensive, non-glossy ones with a blotting paper-like texture, are an excellent resource for any garden. Their primary use in my garden is for mulching, particularly when planting new fruit trees or similar plants that need all the nutrients and moisture they can gather from the soil.

I typically mulch for the first couple of years after planting. Around newly planted trees, I cover the ground in a circle about 1 meter in diameter. For larger trees with extensive root systems, I extend the mulch area to 2 meters. A layer of 6 to 8 sheets of newspaper is usually sufficient for this purpose. If there is excessive dew, 10-12 layers are needed. Extra layer of mulch with wood shavings or dried leaves above the newspapers further helps.

The newspapers serve multiple roles:

1. Weed Suppression: By blocking sunlight, they prevent grasses and weeds from growing and competing with the young tree for nutrients and water.
2. Moisture Retention: The paper helps maintain soil moisture, which is critical during the initial weeks when bare-root plants are establishing themselves.

Additionally, I enhance this process by introducing beneficial fungal spores, such as Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (VAM), beneath the newspaper layer. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, improving nutrient and water absorption. Newspapers provide an ideal substrate for the fungal mycelium to spread. Preventive fungi like Trichoderma species also thrive under this setup, offering added protection against soil-borne pathogens.

By combining newspaper mulch with these practices, I create a nurturing environment for young trees to thrive, promoting healthier and more sustainable growth.

No need to turn the soil or remove the weeds every now and then. No harmful chemicals to be sprayed. I just extend a little help initially and then the nature does the rest. Finally, the newspapers also decompose with time around these trees. There’s no effort required to even remove them.

This is another aspect of life in the slow lane, and also being mindful and living sustainably.

Click here for all related posts – Browse my blog on slow and sustainable living !