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Newspapers & Cardboard in Bean Trenches

NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
in Problem solving

I am just starting out as AN Allotmenteer and will be putting cardboard & newspapers into a trench to assist beans and leeks to retain water

?? DO I put them in whole or cut them up.

Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.

Posts

  • Angelique2Angelique2 Posts: 13

    I tried just sheets of cardboard and as the weather has been so dry they haven't automatically rotted down so next time I will cut up small. I use my paper shredder to do paper and it is rotting down well. Make sure it is well wetted when you put it in the trench.

  • petervanhpetervanh Posts: 8

    The main aim of this is indeed to retain water. I usually do shredder carboard and newspapers, make it thoroughly wet and put a layer in the trench (3 to 5 cm thick). This works perfect - at least on a sany soil. 

  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    This was my first ever post to GW 

    The last 8 years have flown past.


    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    Not so new now ;) How did the beans turn out?
  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    I think I sowed about 60 beans and only managed to eat a few and left the rest on my wall for passer byes to take.

    I now have 8 no dig beds and I am growing 15 veg and only what I eat and to the correct proportions.

    I made up a 12 x 12 foot cage to cover brassicas and then realised i hated greens.............

    Hind sight is an amazing ability.   B)
    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
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