Cardboard and Mulch — Lawn to Wildflowers

Cardboard and Mulch

•More thorough weed suppression •More manicured look.

•Cannot seed through mulch •More Expensive

For this method it is best to start in the spring or early summer and then plant or seed in the fall or the following spring.

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Gather enough cardboard to cover area with several layers. We suggest using only uncolored cardboard.

Gather mulch enough to cover area with 3-6 inches. Mulch can be any organic matter such as leaves, wood chips, straw, and bark.

Mow existing vegetation.

Water the plot thoroughly (if water is available).

Put down pieces of cardboard with aggressive overlapping so there are no gaps. Add a total of at least 3 double layers (like when a box is folded flat) or 6 single layers.

Put down 3 to 6 inches of mulch on top of cardboard.

Water cardboard and mulch thoroughly (if water is available).

Leave for 3 months or more.

Dig or cut holes through mulch and cardboard and transplant potted plants into the soil below.

If possible, water plants as needed for the first year.