Cardboard Sheet Mulching

Upcycling used cardboard for sheet mulching has been one of the most reward procedures in my many years of experience in the movement and profession. The power of taking something that is relatively non-toxic and biodegradable, rescuing from or out of the waste stream, and extending its utility to heal and repair the soil is something to behold.

Cardboard sheet mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, block the growth of weeds, protect slopes from erosion, keep roots cool and shaded, and much more. Sometimes is very is to acquire, other times you have to buy it new or used to get a job done. I've done it all, from scavenging, to buying new, to buying used. From all of my procurement experience, the best was purchasing from a used cardboard box company that was able to sell me a bailed up block of compressed cardboard scrap for a great price. It saved a lot of time and effort and lasted for several projects. There's a little known cardboard product called "slip sheets" that are used in logistics to separate stacks of merchandise on pallets. If you can get the non-gloss, unprinted blank cardboard slip sheets, there’s nothing better. At times I've had to compromise and buy rolls of cardboard floor protection material. They may already be made of recycled material, but it's not quite as rewarding as rescuing boxes, however it is the most efficient way to get jobs done as a professional. The worst would be to buy unrecycled brand new cardboard products, really there's no need to if you know where to look and you have the means to store it in bulk so you don't have to acquire it piecemeal.