Yes, the cardboard method works nicely for raised beds. It's the same steps used for preparing open, in-ground garden beds. Line the bed with plain cardboard, dampen it, add 6-inches (or more) of good quality soil, compost, or other organic mulch.
It's a great mulch, and prevents weeds from sprouting. Decomposing cardboard adds organic matter to the soil, improving your garden's drainage and boosting nutrient levels. Earthworms flock to the dark, moist, safe habitat cardboard provides, leaving behind a nutrient-rich layer of worm castings–free fertilizer!
Preparing a garden bed with cardboard makes that ideal environment for the plants you intend to grow. The cardboard traps warmth and retains moisture in the soil, and forces any existing seeds to germinate. At the same time, the cardboard blocks out any light to the sprouted seeds causing them to die.
Depending on how and where the cardboard is made, it can contain a long list of chemicals and glue compounds, both of which can leach into the soil. Add to that, many cardboard products also contain man-made ink compounds that can also soak into the soil as well.
Cardboard can help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and block the elements. Earthworms and other microbes LOVE cardboard! It attracts your beneficial insects and builds up your soil.
Add 4 - 6” of soil or compost or mulch on top of newspaper/cardboard layers 6. Allow 6 - 8 weeks for the grass under the paper/cardboard & compost layers to die back. Be patient! The longer you allow the decomposition process to take place, the better results you will see.
Yes, roots can grow through cardboard, but only in certain conditions. 'Firstly, the cardboard must be moist enough to allow the roots to penetrate it. Second, the cardboard should be placed in a place where there is no light or air circulation,' Melody says.
Though termites can eat some types of wood, they prefer cardboard in taste testing. If they are given no choice and have only wood to eat, they will consume it but their survival rate decreases.
Other Uses for Cardboard
For example, you could use it in the pathways of your vegetable garden and add a layer of mulch like straw, leaves or ramial wood chips on top. This will prevent weeds from growing and since there are no plants, the lack of oxygen in the soil won't be a problem.
The cardboard layer breaks down after several months (depending on soil type and geographical region) and the mulch will begin to decompose through contact with the soil. There are several advantages to sheet composting: It is an easy and uncomplicated method of composting.
Layer 3 to 4 inches of compost on top of the cardboard. Water the compost well. Cover the space with garden sheeting to keep the soil in place and weeds from sprouting. In about 6 months, the cardboard will have broken down, and the space will be ready for planting.
Cardboard takes approximately 2 months to decompose. However, instead of sending your boxes to the landfill consider adding them to your recycling or your compost pile. Cardboard breaks down fairly quickly when exposed to the elements, but stacks of cardboard can take years to decompose.
This no-dig garden hack is beautifully illustrated in a TikTok video from Brandon Gentry (@brandontgentry), below. Basically, you use sheets of cardboard in your planting area to kill off any existing grass and prevent those pesky weeds from popping up.
Termites were found to prefer cardboard over wood chips as a food source, and rodents such as voles often nest underneath mulch sheets. 2) Newspaper and cardboard sheet mulches were often not as effective as other organic mulches (e.g. wood chips or bark) in preventing weed growth or improving yield.
You can mulch your paths with old cardboard, but definitely check to see if it is printed with ink. If it is, you want to be sure it has only black ink. Most black inks are made from soybean oil. Only use the material for paths.
Your first alternative weed barrier is something you probably have loads of laying around your house. Every time you make an online purchase, you get a cardboard box! They are usable as a plant-friendly, biodegradable landscape fabric alternative.
The idea is to eliminate your lawn, not to keep it comfy until fall.” * Wait until fall to plant. Sheet mulching with cardboard is an inexpensive way to remove a lawn that does not require chemical application or sheets of plastic. A single layer of cardboard is laid out over the areas of lawn no longer needed.
Add a weed barrier that is permeable to water and air, cardboard boxes are ideal. 'Scavenged' cardboard boxes can be found at appliance stores or bike shops. You can also buy recycled cardboard rolls. Do not use plastic or types of weed cloth which will not degrade.
The best mulch to use to avoid termites is a cedar mulch. Cedar mulch is naturally termite-resistant and helps keep termites away from your home and garden. It also helps to keep soil moist and retain water, while providing essential nutrients to your plants. Plus, it looks great and adds a nice touch to any landscape.
When it comes to pests, cardboard boxes are not your friend. Cardboard is susceptible to moisture and humidity and attractive to many types of insects. Use plastic bins with lockable lids.
Cardboard Trap Treatment
Pile the cardboard pieces together and place it near the furniture. The termites will be attracted to the damp cellulose in the cardboard. For best results, leave the trap for a couple of days. Remove the cardboard trap and burn it outside to destroy the termites trapped inside.
So what is the cheapest way to fill raised beds? There are other methods, but specifically, you should fill raised beds with logs, branches, twigs, and other organic materials to save money.