[oldsod]

 I read somewhere and I've heard it mentioned, that if you put a layer of paper under some veg row, this reduces the amount of watering needed?

I've already done this with three rows of spuds. But, I seem to remember  hearing somewhere in the dim distant past that, it was especially useful with beans. And also that newsprint wasn't entirely suitable!

In the light of one old west country sages'  recent comment that we are going to have a HOT summer. It made me think about it a little more. Even as an Aquarian there's only so much water I want to carry!

Thoughts!

 

[SnooziSuzi]

Yes, you are right.  It's a handy use for all of the shredded paper that accumulates after a few weeks of junk mail!

[violet61]

I guess this would work for all potted veg also?

[SnooziSuzi]

I suppose it would but you don't want to retain too much water in pots otherwise they could rot if the growing medium is too damp.  No such problems with stuff grown in the ground though.

[violet61]

Thats a point, I think I'll just stick to the watering can!

[HLS]

How soon would you have to put the paper in before you plant the beans (or whatever)?  I thought I'd left it too late to create a paper bean trench.

[mumofstig]

How soon would you have to put the paper in before you plant the beans (or whatever)?  I thought I'd left it too late to create a paper bean trench.

Some people (who are organised ) start them inthe winter and gradually fill them Others do them just before the beans get planted out Just make sure that the paper is really well soaked before you back fill

[Yabba]

I prepared mine a whole 7 minutes before I planted my peas ... several minutes later I thought "ohhh yeah, that was meant to be the bean trench", so I had to start again :-S

¥

[HLS]

Good to know, thanks.  I've got a box of paper shreddings that need to be used somewhere - now I've just got to get them in the ground without them blowing away like confetti!  I added some to my compost bin, mixed with grass cuttings, and now it looks like my shed's getting married...

Glad it's not just me that gets confused about where to plant things! ;-)

[Ivor Backache]

Nothing wrong with newsprint even if I have to eat my words!
Also don't forget the cardboard.

[mumofstig]

I had save hundreds of loo rolls and after folks posted probs re mould, I decided not to use them to sow in, but they were perfect for my bean trench

[Dal]

Ok, dumb question time! What's the mechanics of this process? Dig a trench, line it with paper, backfill with soil on top of the paper and then plant your plants?

[Bombers]

Ok, dumb question time! What's the mechanics of this process?

Dig a trench, line it with paper, backfill with soil Home made compost on top of the paper and then plant your plants 

[Dal]

Dig a trench, line it with paper, backfill with soil Home made compost

Doh! Well naturally! Twas a slip of the tongue... er... pen... er keyboard?

[BILL251]

I  have  dug  the     runner bean  row  out  put  shreded  paper in  and  kitcken waste   old  tea  bag  veg  cutting    junk  mail  lots  of it    then back  filled     one half   now waiting  for  the weekend  to  do  the   next  half  beans  in  greenhouse  waiting   till mid  May   before  planting   in  trench