Sheet Mulching with Newspaper: Topsoil Depth and Immediate Planting for Groundcovers

Newspaper Sheet Mulch for Groundcover Planting

Method: 12 sheets wet newspaper (or cardboard) over grass, then topsoil.

Topsoil depth: 2–3 inches is sufficient for shallow-rooted groundcovers (pachysandra, vinca, etc.).
Immediate planting: Yes, plant directly into the topsoil.
Accelerate decomposition: Use shredded newspaper.
Boost establishment: Mix starter fertilizer into topsoil.

All groundcovers thrive with this method.

Perennials: Establishing Grass on Rocky Soil: Don't Just Bury Rocks with Topsoil; Planting Grass After Stump Grinding: Acidic Debris, Lime, and Soil Replacement; Planting Liriope in Hard Clay Soil on a South Carolina Ditch Bank: Root Penetration and Establishment; Designing a Butterfly-Friendly Perennial Garden in Northern South Carolina Clay Soil; Seeding and Fertilizing Strategy for North Carolina Clay Soils; Establishing Shade-Tolerant Groundcovers on a Sloped, Sandy New Jersey Lot: Soil Testing, Hydroseeding, and Plant Selection; Preparing Soil After Tree Removal for Successful Grass Establishment; Seeding Bare Ground in Central Illinois: A Cost-Effective Approach; Complete Guide to Establishing a Lawn from Seed in Illinois; Fescue Failure Over Ground Stumps: Nitrogen Tie-Up

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