The Cool Down
Gardener shares creative hack to keep weeds away from your plants: 'Love this'
One farmer's viral TikTok video showed how to use pizza cardboard to help tomatoes — and fight weeds at the same time.
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Simple Cardboard Hack Revolutionizes Home Garden Weed Control
A Wisconsin-based homesteader, known online as Storandt Farms, has recently shared a simple yet effective gardening technique that is gaining traction among home growers. The method utilizes repurposed non-printed cardboard, such as pizza box liners, to create a natural weed barrier and moisture retainer around the base of plants, particularly tomatoes.The process, demonstrated in a short video, involves cutting a central hole and a radial slit in a circular piece of cardboard. This allows the cardboard to be easily slipped around the stem of a plant, covering the soil surface. "It's a fantastic way to suppress weeds and retain moisture," explained the homesteader in their video description. "Bonus, they will make great compost material in fall."This sustainable approach offers several benefits for gardeners. By blocking sunlight, the cardboard prevents weed seeds from germinating and growing, significantly reducing the manual labor required for weeding. Furthermore, the cardboard acts as a mulch, insulating the soil and slowing down water evaporation, which helps maintain consistent moisture levels for the plants. As the cardboard naturally breaks down, it enriches the soil with organic matter, contributing to a healthier garden ecosystem and aligning with zero-waste principles. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of this hack make it an accessible solution for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking environmentally conscious practices.
