Hi Garden friends! Hope you are all well, and enjoyed this video. If anyone is interested in the 2 videos featured where I created the new spaces using sheet mulching, here are the links. Spring is almost here! 😍🌱💚-Steph New Island Planting Bed using Metal Edging: ua-cam.com/video/7Ji3NbZHYqI/v-deo.htmlsi=r6GVZhSIMq44wTy6 Creating a New Garden Bed Instantly: ua-cam.com/video/KSlfIQzgpQ0/v-deo.htmlsi=btpttSzy6hkaCOlt Here's my Amazon Store Where You Can Find Many of My Favorite Garden Items: 👉 amzn.to/49F9RTU
40 years ago I read an article in a magazine about using layers of newspaper, (plentiful back then!), to smother grass and create new beds. I have never dug a bed out again!
This is my favorite way of creating new garden beds so much easier and less labor when you’re 62 years old that’s what you Gotta do. Great options that you mention Steph!
Let me just say friend...I ripped you off from this idea since a year [maybe 18 mos ago].... others on you tube have made videos on this but there was just something about their presentstion (maybe) that made me doubt it would work for me....your introduction of this method to me was the🎫...thanks to you and George!!!❤
We have a flower garden in front of our cottage in rural Ireland which was created and dug up twenty years ago. Now we are planning a no dig vegetable garden out at the back of the cottage.
I been using cardboard for many years now and I love it ..easy healthy way to create a new garden ..using grass clipping mulch as my mulch ...I had to gardening in a very low budget... Also making my own compost I really reclycle every thing ...Stephanie I love your channel happy gardening!!
That's what I did for my new planting area, got large sheets of cardboard from Costco and the process went so fast and easy 😀 Thanks for sharing 👍, your yard looks beautiful!
This is how I’ve made all my garden beds although I don’t have a lot of money so sometimes the cardboard is visible for a few weeks before I can cover it with grass clippings, and eventually dirt, and then more grass clippings as mulch
THIS is my absolute preferred method of creating a new flower bed. SO much less work, and like you here in southern Iowa, I am fortunate enough to have some amazing soil, SO unless I want a raised bed or possibly plant seed NO need to add the soil... the HARDEST part is waiting to plant all of those beautiful new plants to enjoy ... ❤
Great ideas Steph! I always learn something new and interesting from your videos. I can't wait until spring when you plant your lovely flowers! Thanks for sharing.
I tried this method for the first time last year. I made the mistake of wetting the cardboard before laying the mulch and it ended up drying by the time I got the mulch down, so the edges all curled up. I would recommend soaking the mulch and cardboard after completion. Great tip for the pallet cardboard - I’ll have to try that this year!
Just came across this by mistake.really handy as we have so much cardboard every week.easy to lay and prevents weeds.This was the only reason I wouldn't b.out more borders in.great.
Joann From Circleville Ohio you You taught me a lot this time? Because I wanted to make a new flower bed. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.😮 Love to all
I tried this for the first time in the fall when I was able to buy several awesome shrubs at 50% off. We looked for the great cardboard you described but had enough from Amazon to work. Thank you for this wonderful information! It's so nice that George enjoys gardening with you!
I did this in a small bed as I’m 83 and did not want to dig grass! I have some beautiful pansies now! I saw Janie on “Dig Plant,Water Repeat” use this method.
I did this last fall, sheet mulching and made two large (for my yard lol) planting areas. I figured all the grass would be dead by now and the beds will be ready for planting this spring. Still trying to decide what perennials I want to put in. That’s one of the reasons I watch your channel, to get ideas for what to plant. I’m in MA as well so what works for you should be fine for my garden. Thanks so much for all the gardening tips.
I’m thinking of (yet again!😅) expanding some of my beds. I also use sheet mulching to do that. Great idea about getting cardboard sheets from big box stores! I will definitely try that.
thanks for this video! i have a whole pile of cardboard boxes i plan to use to create new garden beds in my backyard! excited to see it come together ☀️
Great tip on that cardboard, but we are doing remodeling so will use cartons from our new cabinets etc in stead. Husband is getting a thick newspaper so may use those too. I am adding more plant space and getting rid of lawn I am always weeding as it is part shade under a Crepe Myrtle tree. No border needed as one edge is a backyard sidewalk and other side is my veg garden. Spring is near!!
Hi Jo! Oh that's great! This is me anytime i see large amounts of cardboard "😍" lol I see new flower beds!! My husband doesn't share the same enthusiasm, but I tell him, hey less cutting out sod, then he quickly starts saving the cardboard for me haha Have fun with that area Jo, spring is near and the perfect time to tackle those projects before it gets too warm 🌱
Very helpful! Best video I've seen so far on the method. Straight forward and clear. I'm planning on planting roses with companion plants. How long did it take for the cardboard to break down so that you could plant into the soil underneath? So if I started now, could I plant in the fall? Or do I need to let the cardboard and mulch sit longer? I"m in Houston by the way, very hot and often very rainy. Except when we have drought! ha! So I'd imagine things break down pretty quickly.
The cardboard usually starts to break down in a few months, depending on conditions & how much moisture it's exposed to, but in general you can start planting into the bed right away. Thanks for watching.
I have done just this many times! I have a lot of quack grass so this method doesn’t work great for that so I have to pull it up first then I use cardboard. But it works better than pull everything up.
Hello, your yard looks beautiful! I have a question, I am so new to all of this so please bear with me 😊 I too have a grassy area where I’d like to start a flower bed and want to know if I should/can put down the black cloth, then the cardboard then the soil, then plant my flowers (I have some zinnia seeds and some lily plants…how should I go about doing this? Please/thanks. 😊
Hello there, Do Not put down the black fabric in that area. Just cardboard, top toil (or compost), then mulch, and you'll then have a great base for that new flower bed. Hope that helps.
I love how you watched a 5 minute video and assumed I didn't do any of the work. If I'm holding the camera, I can't be working. I can assure you I do plenty of the physical labor in my garden.
Do you do anything to avoid a sprinkler system for your grass? Is there an easy way to set up a drip system for these flower beds? I'd love to add more flower beds around my house but not sure how with the sprinkler system in place.
Great idea about sourcing the cardboard. I wish I knew this when I sheet mulched the rows between my raised garden beds last year. Great tip and it looks great. One question...did you purchase your cobble stone or find it on marketplace etc? I need to do some hardscaping this year but its so expensive. Enjoy your weekend:)
Hi Carol! Now you know for next time. You know we'll always want more planting space 🫣😍As for my cobblestone, we found it on FB MP and we also bought some off of craigs list, and offer up. Great place to find it more affordably. It can definitely be pricey. I have a couple vids I made showing how we sourced it. It takes patience, and time but its worth it in my opinion. Have a great week!
Yes, I did that exact thing, but it only lasted for a little while, weeds grow right through the cardboard / mulch, it's no difference than use just mulch.
Hi there! I find the cardboard is great at killing off the grass since it smothers it and doesn't allow light through. And as it breaks down it feeds our soil. But yes, once its broken down and becomes rich soil, the weeds start to come through. Then its time to add another thick layer of mulch.🌱
May I ask how long it suppose to last for? because mine only lasted for one season, and I've used about 3" or more of mulch, and I thought that was a nice thick layer over the carboard, but only lasted for one season weeds and crab grass started to come through, when I've used just the mulch without the cardboard, lasted for Two full seasons before I have to start patch up here and there. @@HookedandRooted
Hi Carole, I takes about 6 months. You can do what i did and plant first, then sheet mulch around. Or you can do your sheet mulching this spring and wait until fall to plant. Others have just sheet mulched, and then move aside the mulch/soil cut a hole where they want to plant, and then plant. Hope this helps 🌱
The cardboard breaks down over time. But it will kill off the grass so that you are left with soil underneath without having to dig up the grass. As for it flying away, you will be placing compost or mulch over the cardboard which will weight it down, and should prevent the cardboard from going anywhere. Hope this helps.
Hello! You can either plant right away by cutting into the cardboard, or wait a few months until it begins to break down. If you do the sheet mulching in the fall for example, you can usually plant in it by Spring. So about a season of waiting for it to break down naturally.
@@HookedandRooted thanks for sharing this and I’m excited to try this method. Another question as I’m planting new plants in my garden bed is best to use top soil or mulch?
Hi Jules, I know Bermuda grass is more persistent, so maybe double up on the layer of cardboard. But as long as there is no sun getting to the grass, it should smother it out and kill it over time. Just buzz it down as short as you can get it before laying down your cardboard.
I have used this method for 25 years. I add mulch right on top of cardboard, paper sacks or newspaper. Or if I want to plant starts or seeds, I lay about a 3-4” layer of soil instead of mulch. Works great and the decomposing grass & paper product adds nutrients to the soil.
Nothing works for Bermuda grass. I have it. The way I see it there is no way avoiding having to go out there and pull the runners. They eventually get through everything
Hi Garden friends! Hope you are all well, and enjoyed this video. If anyone is interested in the 2 videos featured where I created the new spaces using sheet mulching, here are the links. Spring is almost here! 😍🌱💚-Steph
New Island Planting Bed using Metal Edging: ua-cam.com/video/7Ji3NbZHYqI/v-deo.htmlsi=r6GVZhSIMq44wTy6
Creating a New Garden Bed Instantly: ua-cam.com/video/KSlfIQzgpQ0/v-deo.htmlsi=btpttSzy6hkaCOlt
Here's my Amazon Store Where You Can Find Many of My Favorite Garden Items:
👉 amzn.to/49F9RTU
40 years ago I read an article in a magazine about using layers of newspaper, (plentiful back then!), to smother grass and create new beds. I have never dug a bed out again!
This is my favorite way of creating new garden beds so much easier and less labor when you’re 62 years old that’s what you Gotta do. Great options that you mention Steph!
Let me just say friend...I ripped you off from this idea since a year [maybe 18 mos ago].... others on you tube have made videos on this but there was just something about their presentstion (maybe) that made me doubt it would work for me....your introduction of this method to me was the🎫...thanks to you and George!!!❤
We have a flower garden in front of our cottage in rural Ireland which was created and dug up twenty years ago. Now we are planning a no dig vegetable garden out at the back of the cottage.
I been using cardboard for many years now and I love it ..easy healthy way to create a new garden ..using grass clipping mulch as my mulch ...I had to gardening in a very low budget... Also making my own compost I really reclycle every thing ...Stephanie I love your channel happy gardening!!
Thank you so much Mirian! It really is a great method for creating new garden spaces. So great that you compost everything 💚
Definitely a believer in the no dig method!! Nice to see it taught on your channel.
I too use sheet mulching. It works well for me. Am 78 years old so can’t dig like I used too. Thanks for this video.😊
Same here! I cant dig like I used to. Thanks for the tip about the sheets between water cases!
Great idea to use the pallet cardboard! I’ll check that out.
That's what I did for my new planting area, got large sheets of cardboard from Costco and the process went so fast and easy 😀 Thanks for sharing 👍, your yard looks beautiful!
I have been using this method for the past three years now, I will never go back to the old methods again 😅 👍
This is how I keep gardening with a knee injury. Blessings on your day.
This is how I’ve made all my garden beds although I don’t have a lot of money so sometimes the cardboard is visible for a few weeks before I can cover it with grass clippings, and eventually dirt, and then more grass clippings as mulch
Hi Elin! Doing what we can with what we have is always the best way to go about it. Thanks for sharing 🌱
Been doing it for years! and its free! Greatest weed blocker ever! I don't do it any other way!
I have to break down and cut boxes down myself and it's still much better than removing the grass.
This method sure beats removing grass!
I did my raised beds by using cardboard, soil, and then mulching. As it broke down the soil became richer and darker. My veggies did so well in it!
I really enjoyed your video because you explained the process and provided alternatives. Short and Sweet DIY advice is appreciated! Thanks 😊
Thanks for the feedback. Glad it was helpful!
THIS is my absolute preferred method of creating a new flower bed. SO much less work, and like you here in southern Iowa, I am fortunate enough to have some amazing soil, SO unless I want a raised bed or possibly plant seed NO need to add the soil... the HARDEST part is waiting to plant all of those beautiful new plants to enjoy ... ❤
Great ideas Steph! I always learn something new and interesting from your videos. I can't wait until spring when you plant your lovely flowers! Thanks for sharing.
I tried this method for the first time last year. I made the mistake of wetting the cardboard before laying the mulch and it ended up drying by the time I got the mulch down, so the edges all curled up. I would recommend soaking the mulch and cardboard after completion. Great tip for the pallet cardboard - I’ll have to try that this year!
I have created beds in this way with great success and plan on making more this spring.
Needed this video Steph. Garden beds here I come!
I'm doing the same thing this year after seeing so many videos. Cheers from Peterborough, Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
Excellent video. I keep hearing about this & you have the best video on it, very short, sweet & to the pint. Beautiful yard!
Thank you very much!
I love using the sheet mulching method Steph! It makes it so easy to create new flowerbeds without having to remove the grass. 🙌😁
Just came across this by mistake.really handy as we have so much cardboard every week.easy to lay and prevents weeds.This was the only reason I wouldn't b.out more borders in.great.
Joann From Circleville Ohio you You taught me a lot this time? Because I wanted to make a new flower bed. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.😮 Love to all
I tried this for the first time in the fall when I was able to buy several awesome shrubs at 50% off. We looked for the great cardboard you described but had enough from Amazon to work. Thank you for this wonderful information! It's so nice that George enjoys gardening with you!
I did this in a small bed as I’m 83 and did not want to dig grass! I have some beautiful pansies now! I saw Janie on “Dig Plant,Water Repeat” use this method.
I did this last fall, sheet mulching and made two large (for my yard lol) planting areas. I figured all the grass would be dead by now and the beds will be ready for planting this spring. Still trying to decide what perennials I want to put in. That’s one of the reasons I watch your channel, to get ideas for what to plant. I’m in MA as well so what works for you should be fine for my garden. Thanks so much for all the gardening tips.
I’m thinking of (yet again!😅) expanding some of my beds. I also use sheet mulching to do that.
Great idea about getting cardboard sheets from big box stores! I will definitely try that.
found something useful for my amazon boxes
I love this method especially when making a new garden bed 🥰
After initially digging some of my spaces, I quickly went to the no dig route.
thanks for this video! i have a whole pile of cardboard boxes i plan to use to create new garden beds in my backyard! excited to see it come together ☀️
i love how easy u made it look lolll to convince my landloard
Hadn’t planned on it but I’m going to try it. Never heard of this technique. 😊
Really nice this method is what we use and I always recommend the no til no weeding method.
Great tip on that cardboard, but we are doing remodeling so will use cartons from our new cabinets etc in stead. Husband is getting a thick newspaper so may use those too. I am adding more plant space and getting rid of lawn I am always weeding as it is part shade under a Crepe Myrtle tree. No border needed as one edge is a backyard sidewalk and other side is my veg garden. Spring is near!!
Hi Jo! Oh that's great! This is me anytime i see large amounts of cardboard "😍" lol I see new flower beds!! My husband doesn't share the same enthusiasm, but I tell him, hey less cutting out sod, then he quickly starts saving the cardboard for me haha Have fun with that area Jo, spring is near and the perfect time to tackle those projects before it gets too warm 🌱
Hi Stef🌺 . Your bed plants are amazing . You did them very well and beautifuly .This carboard is mazing for eliminating grass. Have agreat day. 🌺🌻🌺
I'm so glad I watched your video. I'm planning to do this in a couple of months for two flower beds I want to make.
Very helpful! Best video I've seen so far on the method. Straight forward and clear. I'm planning on planting roses with companion plants. How long did it take for the cardboard to break down so that you could plant into the soil underneath? So if I started now, could I plant in the fall? Or do I need to let the cardboard and mulch sit longer? I"m in Houston by the way, very hot and often very rainy. Except when we have drought! ha! So I'd imagine things break down pretty quickly.
The cardboard usually starts to break down in a few months, depending on conditions & how much moisture it's exposed to, but in general you can start planting into the bed right away. Thanks for watching.
BRILLIANT!!!
Hi, I so wish I knew the mulching method a few years ago. I have spent hours digging up grass. 😮
Hi Pauline, Its really a game changer, and so much less labor intensive.
Excellent video! Thanks very informative!
I have used this method and it does work for me. Thank you for sharing.🌷
Hose down your cardboard before dumping mulch and it will break down faster, plus you can dig through it the same day or within a day or so.
I have done just this many times! I have a lot of quack grass so this method doesn’t work great for that so I have to pull it up first then I use cardboard. But it works better than pull everything up.
Great information - thanks Steph!
Great tips..thanks steph!! Ox from NH
Hello, your yard looks beautiful! I have a question, I am so new to all of this so please bear with me 😊 I too have a grassy area where I’d like to start a flower bed and want to know if I should/can put down the black cloth, then the cardboard then the soil, then plant my flowers (I have some zinnia seeds and some lily plants…how should I go about doing this? Please/thanks. 😊
Hello there, Do Not put down the black fabric in that area. Just cardboard, top toil (or compost), then mulch, and you'll then have a great base for that new flower bed. Hope that helps.
I love how she didn't do any of the physical work but she said she she she she she she
I love how you watched a 5 minute video and assumed I didn't do any of the work. If I'm holding the camera, I can't be working. I can assure you I do plenty of the physical labor in my garden.
Fablous video
I'm totally doing this. How long does it take to break down?
Hello. Usually a season. So if you set this up in the Fall, you can plant into it by Spring.
Do you do anything to avoid a sprinkler system for your grass? Is there an easy way to set up a drip system for these flower beds? I'd love to add more flower beds around my house but not sure how with the sprinkler system in place.
Great idea about sourcing the cardboard. I wish I knew this when I sheet mulched the rows between my raised garden beds last year. Great tip and it looks great. One question...did you purchase your cobble stone or find it on marketplace etc? I need to do some hardscaping this year but its so expensive. Enjoy your weekend:)
Hi Carol! Now you know for next time. You know we'll always want more planting space 🫣😍As for my cobblestone, we found it on FB MP and we also bought some off of craigs list, and offer up. Great place to find it more affordably. It can definitely be pricey. I have a couple vids I made showing how we sourced it. It takes patience, and time but its worth it in my opinion. Have a great week!
Buen metodo
Yes, I did that exact thing, but it only lasted for a little while, weeds grow right through the cardboard / mulch, it's no difference than use just mulch.
Hi there! I find the cardboard is great at killing off the grass since it smothers it and doesn't allow light through. And as it breaks down it feeds our soil. But yes, once its broken down and becomes rich soil, the weeds start to come through. Then its time to add another thick layer of mulch.🌱
May I ask how long it suppose to last for? because mine only lasted for one season, and I've used about 3" or more of mulch, and I thought that was a nice thick layer over the carboard, but only lasted for one season weeds and crab grass started to come through, when I've used just the mulch without the cardboard, lasted for Two full seasons before I have to start patch up here and there.
@@HookedandRooted
@@chindabrendel4762I used this method and covere with 10 inches of soil and that crab grass sneaks in here in there! I just keep pulling it up.
Can you plant shrub with this method?
Yes.
I've been thinking about using that method this year. About how long do you think it takes for the cardboard to break down and be able to plant?
Hi Carole, I takes about 6 months. You can do what i did and plant first, then sheet mulch around. Or you can do your sheet mulching this spring and wait until fall to plant. Others have just sheet mulched, and then move aside the mulch/soil cut a hole where they want to plant, and then plant. Hope this helps 🌱
With the rain the cardboard brake down into peace’s that fly of, can can I avoid that from happening?
The cardboard breaks down over time. But it will kill off the grass so that you are left with soil underneath without having to dig up the grass. As for it flying away, you will be placing compost or mulch over the cardboard which will weight it down, and should prevent the cardboard from going anywhere. Hope this helps.
How long do you wait for the sheets to break down to begin planting your perennials?
Hello! You can either plant right away by cutting into the cardboard, or wait a few months until it begins to break down. If you do the sheet mulching in the fall for example, you can usually plant in it by Spring. So about a season of waiting for it to break down naturally.
@@HookedandRooted thanks for sharing this and I’m excited to try this method. Another question as I’m planting new plants in my garden bed is best to use top soil or mulch?
I don't know that this would work for Bermuda grass
Hi Jules, I know Bermuda grass is more persistent, so maybe double up on the layer of cardboard. But as long as there is no sun getting to the grass, it should smother it out and kill it over time. Just buzz it down as short as you can get it before laying down your cardboard.
I have used this method for 25 years. I add mulch right on top of cardboard, paper sacks or newspaper. Or if I want to plant starts or seeds, I lay about a 3-4” layer of soil instead of mulch. Works great and the decomposing grass & paper product adds nutrients to the soil.
Nothing works for Bermuda grass. I have it. The way I see it there is no way avoiding having to go out there and pull the runners. They eventually get through everything