I mulched around the majority of my plants this year, but didn't complete the paths. I decided to do that this week-end since weeding was taking up lots of time. I ran short on straw, and decided to make do with what I had. Hopefully, layering the paths with thick layers of newspaper before laying the straw will help.
I didn't cover the remaining bale of straw, and it was damp in some areas. Take note, do not wear flip-flops while laying wet, rotted straw. You could take a topple. It's amazing how slippery it is when wet. Funny, I walked past two pair of garden boots while heading to the garden to lay the straw. I won't make that mistake again.
Hopefully, the newspaper will help with the weeds in the pathways since I wasn't able to thickly apply it. I'll be sure to buy at least 2 - 3 bales for the paths and plants this fall. I left my straw out to rot and ensure that all seeds sprouted or died before placing it in the garden. I've heard horror stories of gardeners using fresh straw/hay and it sprouting throughout the garden. Since I row garden, I'll toss the newspaper in the compost and till the straw under in the spring. All those weeds have made me want to add a cultivator to my list of gardening wants for next season, but at this point it's cheaper for me to use straw and newspaper. How do you keep your weeds down?
The fires here really were awful and the aftermath is just as bad as it rains causing mud slides. On a happier note, I got the Lady bug table cloths at Party America. Party City might have them too. Have a fun birthday.
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