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Using Cardboard to Eliminate Lawn growth?

Implementing a method to eliminate grass using cardboard, or sheet mulching, presents an effortless lawn replacement strategy. Cardboard-induced grass murder proves to be an effective alternative.

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Yes, you can effectively kill grass by using cardboard. Here's how: Lay down layers of cardboard...
Yes, you can effectively kill grass by using cardboard. Here's how: Lay down layers of cardboard over the grass, then cover it with heavy objects or wet it down. The absence of sunlight and the lack of air will eventually kill the grass underneath due to a process known as solarization.

Using Cardboard to Eliminate Lawn growth?

In a bid to support pollinators, wildlife, and save water, people are increasingly opting to replace their turf grass with native plantings and drought-tolerant plants. One innovative method gaining popularity is cardboard sheet mulching, a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to preparing soil for a new garden.

Cardboard sheet mulching works by blocking sunlight, trapping moisture, and restricting airflow, causing grass to yellow, weaken, and eventually die. The process involves laying out cardboard sheets, watering them, and covering them with a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips.

To ensure success, cardboard sheets should be overlapped by 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to prevent weeds or grass from growing through. Bricks, stones, or garden stakes are necessary to hold down the cardboard. Compost or manure can be used to cover the area, providing a nutrient-rich base for immediate planting.

The duration for cardboard sheet mulching to effectively kill grass and prepare the soil for planting typically ranges from 2 to 3 months, though this can vary based on climate, moisture, and grass type. In warm, moist conditions, grass suppression can occur within 2 months or slightly longer, while cooler or drier conditions may require longer periods (up to 6 months in some climates).

Preparation and application are crucial. Cardboard sheets should be wet during the layout to prevent them from flying away. Overlap the sheets to ensure no light penetration and wet the ground and the cardboard to maintain moisture. Cover the cardboard with a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and further suppress grass regrowth.

Aftercare involves keeping the mulch moist but not waterlogged to accelerate decomposition. Avoid disturbing the sheet mulch so the grass under it decomposes fully.

During the barren period, pots of colorful annuals can be used to decorate the area. The decomposition process can be sped up by heat, making the plot ready to plant by fall in most climates.

For most gardeners, planning for about 2-3 months from cardboard mulching to planting is practical, but this may extend to several more months depending on environmental factors and grass resilience. Using cardboard is an inexpensive and natural way to kill grass, making it a popular choice for those looking to create a thriving garden while supporting local ecosystems.

[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). How to Use Cardboard for Sheet Mulching. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sheet-mulching-with-cardboard.htm

[2] The Spruce. (2021). How to Sheet Mulch a Lawn. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/sheet-mulching-a-lawn-2132884

[3] Mother Earth News. (2021). How to Sheet Mulch. Retrieved from https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-sheet-mulch-zmaz6802zgvh/

[4] Rodale's Organic Life. (2021). How to Sheet Mulch: A Step-by-Step Guide. Retrieved from https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/gardening/how-to-sheet-mulch

[5] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). How to Sheet Mulch. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/gardening/how-to-sheet-mulch

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