I subscribe to Organic Gardening. People are always writing in and asking whether there are bad chemicals in newsprint. The response is always, no, newsprint is a good, organic way to get rid of weeds. You should, however, avoid colored pages (like the Sunday comics). I would be very surprised if the Pioneer Press is different from other papers in this regard. You could call and ask the people at the paper if you're still concerned.

I actually GOT that information from the Pioneer Press people! They were the ones that told me not to use the paper! I thought that was great of them.

If you have an appliance store nearby, see if you can get some cardboard. I find cardboard works better than newspaper for me. Heck I use every bit of cardboard I can find! Lay it on the ground, pile it with mulch, next year it's gone, and so are most of the weeds.

Jenny P

I tried 4-6 layers of newspaper on a new bed 2 years ago. it was good at suppressing weeds but I didn't think water soaked through it very well - sort of seemed like it crusted over. So I pulled all the paper out and mulched a little thicker.

You have to get the newspaper/cardboard good and wet when you first put it down and walk on it so it's making good contact with the ground. And several inches of mulch, e.g., wood chips, on top will hold the moisture in longer and help get the decomposition process underway.

Note that it at least two common weeds this method will not kill are dandelions or quack grass.