Cardboard as weed suppressant over winter?

[MrsCordial]

Hello. I'm trying to beat the weeds before they appear by putting unfolded cardboard boxes (Amazon box-type weight) over the veg patch. I've been doing this since patches became bare after harvesting, so a few months now. The cardboard I laid first has now all but disappeared into the earth, which is fine, but it makes me wonder whether with all the rain we've had and have forecast, is there any point laying cardboard down now? We have a fair old stash after Christmas, but should I leave it til the spring?

Thank you

[rustylady]

I'd lay it down now - come Spring you'll be wanting the space for sowing and planting.

[MrsCordial]

Oh of course - what a numpty. Thanks

[marchogaeth]

Definitely keep it covered right up until you want the beds. As soon as it warms up weeds will appear otherwise.

[MrsCordial]

I was asking really because the cardboard is being pounded to nothing under the rain and I just wondered if it was having any effect. Anyway, I've just been to spread out four boxes - can't hurt.

[alldigging]

I was asking really because the cardboard is being pounded to nothing under the rain and I just wondered if it was having any effect. Anyway, I've just been to spread out four boxes - can't hurt.

It stops the soil being so pounded for a few days.

[binley100]

and if its still there in the spring cut holes in it to plant through........

[marchogaeth]

and if its still there in the spring cut holes in it to plant through........

I did just this with my runner beans last year and it really worked well. I'll be using it for other crops next season.

[arpoet]

I have some well rotted hos muck spread when I feel up to it, then will cover it with corrugated cardboard then spent hops to keep it in place.
Its easy to plant though in the spring.

[horticultural_hobbit]

I have put card board on half of my plot. Through which over wintering stuff has been planted. It is starting to degrade, but that's what it is does.

[Veggielot]

I would put the cardboard down now. It will help protect your soil from the weather as well as stop weeds

[MrsCordial]

Great, thanks everyone. With two birthdays within a fortnight of Christmas, we've amassed a fair few cardboard boxes and there's something very therapeutic about ripping the seams apart

[plotman]

I enjoy digging my plot properly and keeping it weeded. Theres nothing like a well kept patch of ground open to the elements to help it break down soil, frost kills bugs on surface and just below and the rain helps add nutrients into the soil as intended. As ive commented before,I feel cardboard, plastic, carpet is just an eyesore for your neighbors and if practiced over many allotments turns the site into a rubbish tip. Thankfully our council doesn't encourage this sort of practice

[MrsCordial]

Thanks for your contribution Plotman. There are various schools of thought about the virtues of digging over, aren't there? Fortunately, the only neighbour gazing onto my veg patch is a horse, and he's not complained yet Because the cardboard breaks down pretty swiftly I can't see it preventing much getting into the soil, but as unlike you I don't overly enjoy weeding, I'm happy to do what I can to minimize it. I don't want an antiseptic cardboard landscape, just a bit of help keeping the weeds down.

[plotman]

Thanks for your contribution Plotman. There are various schools of thought about the virtues of digging over, aren't there? Fortunately, the only neighbour gazing onto my veg patch is a horse, and he's not complained yet Because the cardboard breaks down pretty swiftly I can't see it preventing much getting into the soil, but as unlike you I don't overly enjoy weeding, I'm happy to do what I can to minimize it. I don't want an antiseptic cardboard landscape, just a bit of help keeping the weeds down.

Thats fair enough. Its about what suits the individual )