Re: Cardboard

C* R*

We, too, have an invasion of quack grass.  Unfortunately, using cardboard in
a garden will take away your "organic" status (not to mention, take a toll
on your health) due to the chemicals & glue used during its manufacturing
process.  We do plan on using cardboard in the flower beds far enough away
from our edible gardens which should not pose a hindrance for our organic
status.  In the edible gardens  we are using a heavy layer of wood chips in
the paths (more nitrogen needs to be added to the veggie gardens as the wood
chips rob this element from those plants who need it).  On the plots
themselves we mulch heavily with either leaves or grass clippings (they're
free & easily obtained -- a double bonus in my book ;-) ).  Heavy mulch
seems to do the trick in keeping weeds & quack grass at bay.

Soil, just as healthy humans ward off illnesses, will contain less weeds if
it is healthy to the point of "black gold" humus.  By the way, did you know
that each weed present in the soil is indicative of certain element(s)
present, missing, or not in readily available form for the plants to use?

Happy gardening!

Peace Be With You,
Cyndy Ross, Chairperson
SLLC Organic Community Garden
Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church
 1452 Avondale St
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320

Zone 6A
cynross@tir.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Mitrione" <smitrione@earthlink.net>
To: <community_garden@mallorn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2001 11:36 AM
Subject: [cg] Cardboard

>     I'm considering using cardboard for weed suppression in an organic
> vegetable garden (the quackgrass is out of control).  A friend is
> concerned about toxic compounds in the cardboard.  Anyone have any
> knowledge about the safety of using cardboard for weed suppression?
>
> Thanks
> -Steve
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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