Cardboard layer in Rased Beds?

EBCIII · March 16, 2015

My raised beds are finished and the weed barrier is down. How thick should the cardboard layer be? Beale.

EBCIII · March 16, 2015

Well I went ahead and put cardboard down. It is pretty thick like 1/2" I hope I have not messed up, Beale.

Labradors2 · March 16, 2015

If you are using the cardboard as a mulch, I'm sure it will be fine! Be careful when you step on it because it can be slippery.

Linda

EBCIII · March 16, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labradors2

If you are using the cardboard as a mulch, I'm sure it will be fine! Be careful when you step on it because it can be slippery.

Linda

Thank You for answering.
I am using as a help to the weed barrier and I also know it will break down over time, Beale.

Redbaron · March 16, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBCIII

Thank You for answering.
I am using as a help to the weed barrier and I also know it will break down over time, Beale.

Keep it wet by making sure it is not the top layer.

EBCIII · March 16, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbaron

Keep it wet by making sure it is not the top layer.

It is the next to the bottom layer. They are calling for Rain all day Friday, Beale.

peppero · March 17, 2015

Several layers of newspaper works well too.

jon

PhilaGardener · March 18, 2015

Yes, I think cardboard works great to suppress weeds in paths and around fences, but I don't use it on my beds because I am concerned that rain would mostly run off and not soak in. ( I garden on a slight slope.) I could punch holes in it but that would seem to counter the barrier benefit.

EBCIII · March 27, 2015

I have discovered that in one bed my cardboard does retain water in one spot. It does evaporate rather quick. My beds are 14" high should I be worried? Beale.

Redbaron · March 27, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBCIII

I have discovered that in one bed my cardboard does retain water in one spot. It does evaporate rather quick. My beds are 14" high should I be worried? Beale.

Sounds like you have cardboard on the top layer instead of the bottom layer.

MacDuff · March 27, 2015

I have a heavy duty paper shredder - will take a full unfolded newspaper. When I go to the supermarket and they are stocking the dairy and freezer I ask for the small boxes. They shred up quickly and easily - that's all I use for mulch.

EBCIII · March 27, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbaron

Sounds like you have cardboard on the top layer instead of the bottom layer.

No I have it just above the weed Barrier. So only one layer below that? Beale.

Redbaron · March 27, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBCIII

No I have it just above the weed Barrier. So only one layer below that? Beale.

I use cardboard as my weed barrier. So your statement was confusing to me.

EBCIII · March 27, 2015

Oh OK, I have no issues in the other bed at all. The cardboard was from a different type of box. It has vertical slots in it so no issues with water drainage. I could look and see if I have another like that one in the barn? We have a stack like 4 feet high, Beale.

March 16, 2015	#1
EBCIII Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: South East Va Zone 7A Posts: 306	Cardboard layer in Rased Beds? My raised beds are finished and the weed barrier is down. How thick should the cardboard layer be? Beale.

March 16, 2015	#3
Labradors2 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 3,896	If you are using the cardboard as a mulch, I'm sure it will be fine! Be careful when you step on it because it can be slippery. Linda

March 17, 2015	#7
peppero Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: selmer, tn Posts: 2,944	Several layers of newspaper works well too. jon

March 18, 2015	#8
PhilaGardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Near Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,940	Yes, I think cardboard works great to suppress weeds in paths and around fences, but I don't use it on my beds because I am concerned that rain would mostly run off and not soak in. ( I garden on a slight slope.) I could punch holes in it but that would seem to counter the barrier benefit.

March 27, 2015	#9
EBCIII Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: South East Va Zone 7A Posts: 306	I have discovered that in one bed my cardboard does retain water in one spot. It does evaporate rather quick. My beds are 14" high should I be worried? Beale.

March 27, 2015	#11
MacDuff Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: MA 5 So. Shore Posts: 17	I have a heavy duty paper shredder - will take a full unfolded newspaper. When I go to the supermarket and they are stocking the dairy and freezer I ask for the small boxes. They shred up quickly and easily - that's all I use for mulch.