January Stop Weeds, Cut Labor, Increase Curb Appeal

Greetings garden friends. With spring a few months away, you may be planning the garden to beat the winter blues.  Perhaps, you are ready to start now by figuring out how to reduce labor and just enjoy the fruits of your labor. Let’s talk garden beds. Struggling with weed and moisture control, along with the challenges of poor soil can lead to frustration and hard labor. Here’s the solution to enjoying a beautiful garden without the hassle: Rosin paper.

Rosin paper is a type of heavy paper, commonly used in construction and found at your local hardware store or garden center. Let’s dig into the incredible benefits of rosin paper.Rosin paper is a great weed barrier. When laid out on the soil, it helps prevent the growth of weeds and grass, providing a clean surface for mulch. Imagine a garden free from the clutches of invasive weeds.Another benefit of using rosin paper is that it helps protect your garden from the elements of nature. In areas where soil erosion is a concern, rosin paper can prevent the erosion caused by wind and water runoff.

Finally, rosin paper can act as a moisture barrier. Create a protective shield against excessive moisture by placing it between soil and other mulch.

How to use Rosin paper in the garden

Now that you know the benefits, let’s explore how to use rosin paper in your garden, Before adding mulch, rosin paper is placed in your garden bed. If facing a windy day, water down the paper to prevent it from being displaced. Rosin paper should be used in conjunction with soil additives and fertilizers.

The Lowdown on Landscaping Cloth

Landscape cloth, while initially deterring weeds, can harm your garden in the long run. First, it doesn’t break down well, meaning it will not contribute to healthy soil. Second, weeds can grow through cloth, creating more labor for you. The weeds entangle with the cloth, leaving you no choice but to dig up your garden. Lastly, it can prevent proper watering, as the cloth keeps water from your plants' roots, leaving them thirsty and wilting.

Can’t I just use mulch and replace it every year?

 Over Mulching is a hazard to the health of your plants and trees. Applying more than 3 inches of mulch on your beds will suffocate the healthy soil composition, due to lack of aeration. Compacted mulch can also cause fungus or bacteria to develop. Ultimately, adding soil nutrients and sufficient water is compromised if the soil is drowning in mulch.

What about newspapers?

Newspapers are effective, but avoid using colored ink near edible plants. Rolling out several feet of rosin paper is a walk in the garden compared to lugging around with a wheelbarrow full of the Daily News. And who wants to be reminded of old news?

With rosin paper, say goodbye to weeds, reduce labor, and flaunt your green thumb effortlessly. Happy gardening, friends!  Check back with us next month for some great resources on landscaping for your specific needs.  And, send us a message when you need help.