AboutFrank and Vicky Giannangelo Expertise We will research and answer all questions about organic gardening, soil building, square foot gardening, composting, mulching, planting techniques, sustainable gardening, sustainability, garden design, and how to create a simple reflection pool to attract birds and wildlife.
Over the years we have learned that plants respond to the garden's aesthetics, soil conditions, and the attitude of the gardener. The healthier the soil and soul, the healthier the plants become, and are therefore more able to resist insect attacks.
Experience 40 years experience in private and professional organic gardening, creating formal gardens, giving organic gardening workshops, and sharing our insights.
Organizations New Mexico Registered Organic Gardens
Question Looking to expand existing flower beds and read somewhere that you can place 5 layers of newspaper on the grass and then cover it with four inches of mulch. This combination will kill the grass and yet maintain water to trees located nearby? Any thoughts or reccomendations? And a time table for this to occur before planting new shrubs into this area?? Thanks so much!
Answer Yes. You can use newspapers and mulch to kill grass, but I would make sure I had at least an half-inch of newspapers, and four - six inches of mulch over that. In a month or so you should be able to dig a hole anywhere you want and just plant new shrubs. Be sure and cover the exposed dirt around the new shrubs with more newspaper and 4 inches of mulch to prevent any grass from coming through it. Be sure to leave about an inch around the base of the trunks or stems, so they won't get too wet or encourage insects to nibble at their stalks. Any weeds that make it up through the newspapers and mulch, will remove easily.
