I'd like to create a new flower bed this spring but have lawn to contend with;I've heard that you can just place a thick layer of newspapers over tthe area you wish to plant and then place soil overtop in a layer of about 16 inches or so. Has anyone tried this? Does it work? Any other suggestions? Help- can't be digging out sod as I have a bad back so am loooking for the easiest way to get the job done. Thanks.
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I have done it with newspaper to extend a flowere bed. I started mine in the summer by adding dead leaves left over from the previous fall. Also any organic matter that I had, old dirt (from house plants) anything. I then planted right away some perannuals, a few tomato plants, anything that I had left over that needed to be planted.
It was great!
Cardboard works as well!
There is also a book called "Lasagna Gardening" that is available. Very interesting.
Good luck
DBK
Stop your back-breaking digging! Newspapers work better than anything else I've tried. The need for 16 inches of soil on top is a little off.
The best time to do this is in fall for spring planting, however I've had great success at any time of the year.
Wherever you want a new flowerbed mark off the area and lay down THICK layers of newspaper. Have your mulch ready the same day or the papers will fly around. Wetting the paper with a hose when it's in place can help. You can do one section at a time if it's easier.
I like to use an half-moon edger to remove sod from the sides of the bed. Ensure that the layers of newspaper butt right up to the edge.
When the paper is in place start dumping a mulch on top. This will disguise the paper, hold in moisture and aid in the suppression of weeds. My favorite mulch is professionally prepared compost. If you have access to Mushroom manure, make sure you get it BEFORE it goes to the farm, not after. Growing mushrooms takes out all the nutrients and you're left with benign muck. It can be used as a soil ammender but will not give any food value to your plants.
If you're using animal manures, make sure it is WELL- rotted. Suitable compost should never give off any foul odors. If it's smelly, it's not ready and could burn leaves and roots it comes in conact with.
The layer of mulch on top needn't be more than 4 - 6 inches deep, it will compress in time. To plant through the mulch, simply pull back the compost and cut through the newspapers with a garden knife or spade. Remove enough newspaper to allow you room to plant [throw the extra in your compost pile]. After planting, bring back the mulch, keeping it from the base and being careful not to bury leaves.
Best of luck and enjoy your new flowers !