6. Old Newspapers and Cardboard: The Ultimate Weed-Blocking Mulch

Plain cardboard and non-glossy newspaper are carbon-rich "brown" materials that are perfect for creating a highly effective, biodegradable weed barrier known as sheet mulching or lasagna gardening. This method builds rich soil while suppressing weeds completely.

1. 📦 Sheet Mulching for New Beds

To create a new garden bed without tilling or digging, lay down overlapping sheets of flattened cardboard or 8-10 layers of newspaper directly on top of grass or weeds. Soak the paper layer thoroughly with water. Then, pile on layers of compost, grass clippings, leaves, and other organic matter. The cardboard/paper smothers the weeds beneath, which decompose and add nutrients, while the layers on top create instant, fertile planting soil.

2. 🍂 Pathway Weed Suppressant

For garden paths, lay down thick layers of cardboard or newspaper and cover them with a thick layer of wood chips, straw, or gravel. This prevents weeds from growing through the path, reducing maintenance significantly. The paper layer will eventually decompose, but by then, the surface mulch is often thick enough to continue suppressing weeds.

3. 🐛 Worm Bedding in Vermicomposting

Shredded, non-glossy newspaper and cardboard are ideal bedding materials for a worm compost bin. Soak the shreds in water, then wring them out so they are as damp as a wrung-out sponge. The worms will consume the bedding along with food scraps, turning it all into superb vermicompost. It provides necessary carbon and a comfortable habitat for the worms.