Newbie needing mulch help

[chickadiddle]

Hello! First timer here, though I belong to a sister site. Getting ready to put mulch down - what can I put down first to keep the weeds frmocoming up? I tried the netting, didn't work so great. Is there weed spray I can use that will prevent any from poppingup? Yes, I am clueless. Thanks

 

[lesa]

First of all- Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Weeds are pesky aren't they?? Is this an area around shrubs? If you are going to lay the mulch down heavy, you might want to put a few layers of newspaper down first. That helps keep the weeds down for a season or so...I am not an advocate of spraying-I do everything organically. Do you have chickens? I try to think about weeding as harvesting food for my chickens. They get so excited when I am in the garden, they stand at the fence and beg like dogs!! I am sure others will have some good ideas. Happy Gardening!

 

[chickadiddle]

Yes, I have chickens, they actually do help with the4 weeding, but they also dig up the mulch trying to get down to the dirt. I may try newspaper, gread idea!

 

[journey11]

I use newspaper too. It works beautifully. And it's free from the recycle center! Fill your wheelbarrow up with water and let them soak for a bit. If they're wet, they won't blow away as you are working with them! Lay them down thick, about a 1/2 inch thick, and overlap them well. After a year or two they will break down (undisturbed), but by then the weeds are smothered out. Or in the garden you can till them under at the end of the season and they'll add to the soil. I don't like to use the shiny inserts and fliers. I hear the ink on them is iffy. But the black and white sections/regular sections use a plant-based ink.

Oh, and

 

[HunkieDorie23]

You can also use corragated cardboard. I am doing both cardboard and newspaper just because I have some of both but not a lot of either. I have read that with the newsprint you have to use at least 5 sheets thick, thicker would be better it you have it. And yes you are suppose to wet it. Enjoy your mulching and planting.