| #5 |
Its nice to see that someone is doing research into this but I can't really see any reason to stop using cardboard? Cardboard is the best thing since sliced bread as far as I am concerned and by using it and adding it as 'browns' to compost heap we are helping the environment methinks. 
I use it under woodchip on paths and under other forms of mulch on beds ie compost, grass cuttings or any organic material that I think will add to soil fertility. It is a good weed suppressant and because once it gets wet it rots quickly, it can be planted into straight away.
Its best quality is its free and plentiful.
I have used newspaper as a mulch for the same reason but do have some doubts about the inks used in the printing process leaching into the soil.
Mention and explanation is given about the worm population. I agree worms can be found on the surface under cardboard, but if you dig down further you will find a propensity of worms there that weren't their before cardboard application. Worms mean aeration and will give a more friable mulch to grow in surely?
Nothing I have read in the article will stop me using cardboard and exploring new wasys of using it? For instance, I have beds covered with cardboard then grass cuttings on top that have been sitting weed free all winter. It is my intention to cover with cardboard again and add a smaller amount of compost. (once the supermarkets get the bulk cheap bags for sale) then plant through this. Is this Lasagne gardening? I don't know, as far as I am concerned it's Vinny experimenting with FREE cardboard usage to add more organic matter to soil.
I use it under woodchip on paths and under other forms of mulch on beds ie compost, grass cuttings or any organic material that I think will add to soil fertility. It is a good weed suppressant and because once it gets wet it rots quickly, it can be planted into straight away.
Its best quality is its free and plentiful.
I have used newspaper as a mulch for the same reason but do have some doubts about the inks used in the printing process leaching into the soil.
Mention and explanation is given about the worm population. I agree worms can be found on the surface under cardboard, but if you dig down further you will find a propensity of worms there that weren't their before cardboard application. Worms mean aeration and will give a more friable mulch to grow in surely?
Nothing I have read in the article will stop me using cardboard and exploring new wasys of using it? For instance, I have beds covered with cardboard then grass cuttings on top that have been sitting weed free all winter. It is my intention to cover with cardboard again and add a smaller amount of compost. (once the supermarkets get the bulk cheap bags for sale) then plant through this. Is this Lasagne gardening? I don't know, as far as I am concerned it's Vinny experimenting with FREE cardboard usage to add more organic matter to soil.
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