I'm curious if using contractor paper, specifically the brown recycled kind that comes in rolls, is a safe and effective option for preventing weeds in the garden. I'm not referring to red rosin paper. Currently, I use plastic landscape fabric with holes for planting my brassicas, tomatoes, and other plants, and it works well. However, since I'm dealing with a lot of horsetails where I live in Alaska, I was thinking about prepping my bed with thick construction paper topped with clean garden soil. My idea is that the paper would block the weeds while breaking down eventually, allowing me to plant root veggies like carrots and radishes. Any thoughts?
1 Answer
I've actually tried this method before, and it worked pretty well for me! Just make sure to add about 3-4 inches of compost or soil over the paper. That thickness really helps keep any weeds from coming through.
That's great to hear! How long did it take for the paper to break down for you?