Mulch: Cardboard & Paper
Using cardboard and paper as mulch is a method to turn trash into a useful material for your farm. Instead of wasteful plastic landscape fabric, many are seeking a more ecologically friendly alternative. This low-cost mulching method has been tested by farmers and gardeners alike, and is often used to complement other mulching methods.
To get started learning how to create a no-dig bed, check out No-Dig Gardening for Beginners: Step-By-Step Guide with Cardboard and Compost, This video uses cardboard as a covering material for the weeds in the area used to grow, without the use of tilling. This method uses compost to build a strong foundation for the beds.
Allowed Mulches on Organic Farms and the Future of Biodegradable Mulch is a USDA resource that answers common questions about currently allowed mulches and the potential of using biodegradable mulch in the future. This article gives details of what mulch is acceptable through the USDA National Organic Program.
Using Paper Mulch to Suppress Weeds in the High Tunnel is an article that breaks down how paper mulch has been used in a high tunnel. Through this method, cardboard is used to mulch the pathways, while paper mulch is applied onto the beds. Their method was not as effective in the field, as with more weathering, the quicker the breakdown process became.
Mulch// Is Cardboard a Reasonable Cover Material? is a no-till resource by No-Till Growers that goes over using cardboard on a larger scale, with both the pros and cons. This resource includes videos, a podcast episode, and an article that goes over common assumptions. To learn about paper on a larger scale, Linerboard: A Love-Hate Story is an article about the use of paper mulch, including both the benefits and challenges this method brings.
Truth About Using Cardboard in the Garden is a video that addresses the concerns of using paper and cardboard in the garden, including the inks and chemicals used. By knowing what could be detrimental to your production, you can use paper and cardboard in a safe manner.
In conclusion, cardboard can be both a beneficial and troublesome material to work with, and education on proper use is critical to maintaining healthy soils. To learn more about mulch overall, refer to our blog on mulch. There are more blogs to come that give a better dive into various other mulch types, including wood chips, compost, and leaf and grass clippings.
This resource was funded in partnership with the Transition to Organic Partnership Program