Newspaper is a handy tool for use in the garden, for seed starting and even for window washing…
Newspaper is the new cardboard, yes it too is good to use for lasagna composting.
The basic components of lasagna composting are nitrogen (N), carbon (C), oxygen (O2) and water (H2O), proportioned to break down organic matter into good soil.
A layer of newspaper is placed on the ground with a layer of brown material (leaves, twigs) and a layer of green material (grass clippings, vegetation) on top. This process will suffocate grass and most weeds as well as prevent weed seeds from germinating. By lasagna composting you can start a new bed without digging.
Lasagna composting is not an exact science but there are things you can do to help move the process along. The finer your pieces of brown and green material are, the more surface to decompose faster and more completely.
Newspaper is also good to make seed starting pots. Lee Valley Tools has a smart little device called a Potmaker that turns strips of old newspapers into ideal starter pots for young transplants and seedlings.
Yes, there were clean windows before paper towels…newspaper can give windows a shine that rivals Bounty.
If you have a cool tool that you would like SFC to review, message editor@SmallFarmCanada.ca
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