I've never had any problems with laying down layers of newspaper or
cardboard. You never want your mulch right against the plant cuz it could
cause rot.
Enjoy gardening.. like you, I always played with flowers (annuals only) but
then got into horticulture and started teaching it at an elementary school
(the school has a Life Lab that contains raised garden beds 20 x 4.... about
25 plots. I LOVE gardening. There's something therapeutic about pulling
weeds around plants you're growing.
Anyways... enjoy. Take advantage of your cooperative extensions. They may
offer master gardening classes also.
Nicole

"tenacity" wrote in message
ups.com...
Thanks for the great advice. I didn't know about the co-ops, I'm
getting into serious gardening for the first time. I've lways piddled
about with flowers, but I'm thinking bigger now

I mulched most of my plants with grass clippings and the rest with
shredded newspaper, and it has made a tremendous difference. The soil
stays cool, the water lasts longer, and the plants look better. When my
compost cooks down, I'll have more, but that won't be until fall for
now, the newspaper is doing the trick. Finally, a good use for all that
damn junk mail!

I had considered just laying down newspaper, but I'm worried about mold
or fungi growing under there. Have you had any problems with that?