Newspapers are a remnant of the old age of news. We mostly read news online these days, yet there’s something in the smell of freshly printed paper that’s been keeping that industry going still. And proper writing, of course – not everyone can be a newspaper journalist like they can be an online content writer these days.
And, while reading newspapers is satisfying, we all throw them away day after day. Which is a mistake as those sheets of paper have many uses beyond wrapping things up. You can use newspaper in your garden for everything from growing seedlings to killing weeds. You can read all about it below.
Pest and Insect Trap
Place damp newspapers around the garden and you’ll have a great cheap pest trap. Slugs, for example, love hiding under damp papers, and so do other bugs. Use your new ‘weapon’ in the garden at dusk and collect the pests in the morning. Easy-peasy.
Keeps Plants Safe from Frost
If you live in areas where it gets cold in the winter, you should use a cold frame. However, there’s a cheaper way to protect your plants from frost – newspapers. Insulate the most delicate plants in your garden with papers and you don’t have to worry about frost anymore.
A Great Starter for Worm Bins
Shred some newspapers and you’ll have the perfect bedding for worm bins. You need to dampen the shreds a bit too. Along with food scraps, worms will feed on this like kings. There – a great starter for your worm bins.
DIY Newspaper Pots for Seed Starters
Why buy pots for seed starting when you can just use newspaper? You can make your own pots at home with your kids, having some great family time together. First cut newspaper in strips, then soak them in water for 24 hours (2 parts water/1 part newspaper).
Beat the pulp with an eggbeater in the end and squeeze the excess water out. Now wrap the strips on paper cups and let them set for three days outside. Remove the planters and you have your DIY newspaper pots ready.
Perfect Mix for the Compost Bin
Composting in the summer is required, yet a bit of a time-consuming process. Many people ignore it until their bins start to reek. The good news is that adding carbon-rich paper on the bottom is the perfect way to prevent the bad smells. It’ll keep your compost bin fresh and prevent the formation of strong odors that can really ruin your day.
Prevent Your Pots from Drying Out
Cut some newspaper in circles that fit perfectly in flower pots. These layers will keep them from drying out by retaining moisture within. This also comes with an extra benefit. Newspaper used this way is a great barrier against weeds that allows proper oxygen and irrigation while slowing down the moisture loss. In simpler terms, this simple trick will keep your plants fresh and hydrated.
