I use shredded paper mulch in my garden. It keeps the ground cool and smothers weeds. After the shreds have been laid down and watered, they form a blanket similar to papier-mâché. Water still gets through, but the weeds can’t. Potatoes and peppers love it. I think the hot peppers get hotter because of the reflective nature of the paper.
Sarah Germeroth
Hollenberg, Kansas
Suggested Video
Suggested Podcast
Gardening Problems and Solutions
Hear from fellow gardeners on their gardening problems and solutions and experiences, and glean some new gardening practices.
How to Build a Cabin House for Self-Sufficient Homesteading
Hear how Colette Kenny of Half-Acre Homestead moved from the city and learned how to build a cabin house suited for eco-friendly self-sufficient homesteading.
Building Soil
Learn about soil, what it’s made of, and how to improve the health of your garden and farm soil.
Related Content
Regenerative Backyard Gardening
Your regenerative garden: Build rich soil, capture carbon, and grow more food.
Natural Alternatives to Plastic Mulch
Find natural alternatives to plastic mulch, including cardboard, pine needles, straw, wood chips, or even living mulches and cover crops, and determine the best way to spread mulches.
What Is Mulch Used for?
Choose the right mulch for your garden project.


