Long before sustainable agriculture became a trend, some horticulturists already used ingenious techniques to cultivate without having to dispert the soil or resort to chemicals. Among these practices, the cardboard vegetable garden is returning in vogue, collecting great interest among gardening enthusiasts. This method allows not only to suffocate weeds without effort, but also to improve the fertility of the soil in a completely natural way.
Cardboard: a precious ally to suffocate weeds and feed the soil
The cardboard proves to be an extremely versatile tool for the gardener who wants a lush vegetable garden without excessive maintenance. In addition to blocking the growth of weeds, it retains humidity and, once decomposed, enriches the soil with beneficial organic substances. Unlike plastic sheets or anti-grass barriers, which can persist in the ground for years, the cardboard is completely biodegradable and promotes the life of the microfauna. The earthworms, in particular, appreciate it very much: they diminish it, incorporate it into the ground and contribute to making it more soft and fertile.
This technique was already used decades ago by those who preferred natural solutions instead of chemical herbicides. To suffocate the weeds, it was enough to arrange a layer of raw cardboard on the ground and wait for nature to make the rest. ATTENTION: Before using the cardboard, it is essential to remove any adhesive ribbons and plastic parts, which could pollute the soil.
How to make a vegetable garden with cardboard: the step by step driving
Those who want to start a vegetable garden without effort can adopt this simple but effective method. Here are the steps to follow to transform simple cardboard into a fertile ground:
- Cut or mow the grass – It is not necessary to eradicate the roots: they will decompose under the cardboard, enriching the ground.
- Arrange the cartoons – Use untreated brown cardboard, without colored inks or scotch tapes, slightly overlapping the edges to avoid the passage of light.
- Add an organic layer – Compost, well -decomposed manure or grass mowing will help to feed soil microorganisms.
- Complete with a mulch – Dry leaves, straw or wood chips will contribute to retaining the humidity and protecting the ground from the sun.
- Irrigate abundantly – An abundant watering immediately after installation will help the cardboard to adhere to the ground and accelerate the decomposition process.
What and when to plant with this technique
The cardboard takes about four to eight weeks to completely decompose. However, those who do not want to wait can plant immediately, practicing holes directly in the cardboard to insert the seedlings. This method is particularly suitable for:
- Demanding vegetables Like zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage, which need rich soil.
- Aromatic herbs As a basil, thyme and chives, which grow easily without particular needs.
On the contrary, vegetables such as carrots and pastinaca, which require well -dissolved soil, it is preferable to sow them only after the complete decomposition of the cardboard.
