If you aren't actually planting in the soil, try cardboard or even old blankets instead of paper. They effectively blocked water and weeds for me, nearly killing my fruit trees, because the water couldn't get through.

A layer of pine bark at least 3-4" deep will make any future weed pulling easy.

I love the pine bark. It takes me 5 minutes to weed my raised bed with 5 large Plum trees in it. With such loose soil, the weeds cannot get established easily. The deeper the mulch (any kind you can get) the easier it is to keep it weed free.

RoundUp is your friend(G)

Lisa

I also use Preen in areas that I'm not going to plant anything.

Hi Cora!

My experience with newspaper and cardboard has been awesome. All my planting beds have been started with a layer of cardboard or very thick newspaper, then leaves and woodchips (mulch) on top. For me, there is no better weed control, and in my experience, it has helped preserve moisture in my beds. I don't know why Lisa and I have such different experiences.

My beds done in this way have flourished, attracted many earthworms, and have served to improve the soil in the long run. Definitely use your leaves as mulch. They are like gold in the garden. If you don't like the look, put a little mulch on top. If you are concerned that the cardboard will be a barrier for water, wet it first. It has never been a problem for me and I place it dry. I don't place it too close to trees, though.

I never remove old leaves, mulch, newspaper or cardboard. If you are getting weeds, its because the newspaper is long gone. Just keep piling stuff on top. It will all compost in place (its called sheet composting). I would also not even remove weeds unless they are really big and bulky. Just cover with cardboard. Weeds occur mostly in disturbed soil. I try to disturb my soil as little as possible and only when necessary to plant or dig something up. This really cuts down on weeds.

I would say experiment, if you like, in different areas of your yard this year with different methods and then decide what worked best for you. As you can see, different gardeners, different experiences! Above all, have fun!

Anna

Thanks so much for the encouragement! Sometimes, your guts tell you you're right but you still need confirmation. LOL!!
I think it was on one of the iVillage forums that I read that one should always wet the earth thoroughly before laying down thoroughly wet newspapers (or cardboard). Just to cover my butt, I soak the paper and water after every layer. So far, I've never found a dry spot under the layered materials. I DO keep it pulled a few inches away from the base of trees so I can direct water to the roots - my little "grown from a seed" avacado is flourishing. I'm thinking of starting a couple more to ensure a mix of male/female trees. Future guacamole!! cora