As trees and plants begin to bloom around us, so do pesky weeds. They’re an annual frustration for many gardening enthusiasts, but deterring them doesn’t need to be an expensive or laborious endeavor. In fact, you can use something you likely already have: newspapers. When your soil is damp, lay a few pages of newspaper down, then apply mulch like wood chips on top. This should be done when plants are young, about 4-5 inches tall. Make sure you pull any existing weeds before you start. Leave an inch or two of ground between the stem and the start of your newspaper. The newspaper will not only prevent weeds from sprouting near your plants, it will break down in the soil, adding some organic material, and will also regulate its temperature and conserve moisture.
