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sockiescat · 22-02-2006, 01:11 AM

George Shirley Persephone wrote:
On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 19:01:55 -0600, George Shirley
wrote:

M.E. wrote:

I have a good size garden that I am fortunate enough to have a tractor
dig up so I can start again this spring from scratch . The past two
years I pulled weeds, used mulch, and did basically did not use any
type chemicals. I did let everything go last year so I am starting all
over. Before I start planting again, does anyone have any opinions
about weed control -organic or not???? I will plant vegetables in the
majority of it and then some flowers. The grass is the biggest problem.

We use newspaper between the rows and up and around the plants
themselves. About four layers seem to do the trick and keep 99% of the
weeds from coming up. We hand hoe until the weather consistently stays
at 70F or higher and then lay the papers down. Don't use advertising
inserts as I'm not sure of the ink source for them. Newsprint is
generally just carbon black in a soy oil base and the comics use a dye
made with natural earths in most cases so neither should affect your
soil. You might check with your local paper(s) first though.

I've also known people who laid cardboard down in the garden to prevent
weeds from growing but can't vouch for the effect it has.

George

What about landscape cloth? Any experience out there?

Persephone

Lots of folks use landscape cloth but it's a little expensive for a
larger garden. Most nurseries that plant outside use it to save on
weeding labor, even the ones that plant in the ground inside a
greenhouse. (We live about an hours drive from the "Nursery Capitol of
Louisiana).

I've been wanting to try the new version (a few years old) of red
landscape cloth under tomatoes, supposed to really do the job on
increasing production.

DW finally bought a roll of the regular landscape cloth to cover a strip
flower bed along the west fence line. Wild strawberries and dollar weed
were taking over and we don't use herbicides so the landscape cloth
works at that better than trying to cover with papers.

George

if u wanted to use a herbicide on your garden area one of the best ones to use is roundup its made by monsanto. it is a contact herbicide that is good especially on different kinds of grasses and it is not systemic so u can plant your garden within ten days of spraying. hope this helps u some. cyaaaa, sockiescat.