Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! The heat is really tough on my plants right now, and my soil is super dry. I'm on a tight budget, but I'm curious if covering my flower beds with layers of cardboard could help retain moisture in the soil. Everything seems to be dying despite my daily watering efforts, and I'm looking for some affordable tips!
2 Answers
Definitely! Cardboard can help, but be careful during storms; it might blow away unless you secure it. I usually place cardboard down and cover it with an inch of mulch, like wood chips or manure, around my fruit trees. It breaks down over time, helping keep the soil moist through the hot summer months.
One thing you might want to do is water the soil thoroughly before putting down the cardboard. It’s a good step to ensure the soil is moist first! It makes a big difference rather than just laying it over dry soil.
Great point! It really won't help much if the soil is already dry.
That's a smart move! I'll have to consider adding mulch once I have some cash to spare. I was also thinking about soaking the cardboard first to help keep the moisture in.