Gardeners are placing cardboard boxes on vegetable beds to eliminate weeds without chemical sprays and make soil more fertile. The cellulose material breaks down to create light, nutrient-rich soil while increasing the population of beneficial earthworms.
Growers can chop cardboard sheets into small pieces and dig them 15 to 20 centimeters into the ground to fertilize the plot. Placing solid cardboard between rows or between the frame and soil in raised beds creates a natural barrier that stops weeds from sprouting.
After the harvest, shredded cardboard can be formed into mounds around plants to protect them against frost. The material also adds carbon to home compost piles and acts like a sponge to store water, lowering the need for frequent watering, though it can harm plants sensitive to stagnant moisture.
Cardboard Requirements and Trench Layering
Only pure, unpainted cardboard without remnants of glue, adhesive tape, or other additives can be safely used in the garden. To stop weed growth between crop rows, gardeners dig trenches and lay down cardboard sheets so that no gaps remain between them.
The laid sheets are covered with a soil layer measuring at least 5 centimeters deep. When establishing new garden beds, sheets are laid directly onto existing ground, followed by a layer of ordinary soil and a top layer of humus or peat before planting seeds or seedlings.
Mulching and Composting Methods
For mulching or composting, cardboard should be cut into squares measuring approximately 5 by 5 centimeters. The shredded pieces are then added to a compost pit or distributed around garden plants to shield them and retain soil quality.
