How to Plant a Garden in Cardboard Boxes

Choose a box depth that matches your 
veggie need .

Planting a garden in cardboard boxes is an innovative and eco-friendly way to grow plants, especially if you have limited space or poor soil conditions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant a garden in cardboard boxes:   At the end of the season?   Just cut the boxes open and let old boxes and soil decompose over the winter.

Select the cardboard boxes: Choose sturdy cardboard boxes of an appropriate size for the plants you want to grow. Ensure the boxes are clean and free from any chemicals or contaminants.

Prepare the boxes: Remove any tape or stickers from the boxes and cut off the top flaps. If the boxes don't have drainage holes, use a sharp knife or scissors to create several holes in the bottom to allow for proper drainage.

Do not place a waterproof liner in the boxes.   Instead use double boxes to assure you will have support for the whole growing season

Fill the boxes with soil: Fill the boxes with a good-quality potting mix or a combination of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. Ensure the soil is loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich.

Plant your garden: Determine the types of plants suitable for your cardboard box garden. Consider the amount of sunlight your garden receives and the space requirements of the plants. Choose vegetables, herbs, flowers, or even small shrubs that can thrive in containers. Follow the planting instructions for each plant, making sure to space them appropriately in the boxes.

Water the plants: After planting, water the garden thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Be mindful not to overwater, as cardboard can become saturated and weaken. Monitor the moisture levels regularly and water as needed.

Maintain the garden: Proper garden maintenance is crucial for healthy plant growth. Regularly check the moisture levels in the soil and water accordingly. Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and take appropriate measures to control them. Apply organic fertilizers as needed to provide essential nutrients to the plants.

Monitor cardboard decomposition: Over time, the cardboard will naturally break down. Monitor the condition of the boxes and replace them if they start deteriorating or becoming unstable. You can also consider adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil to slow down the decomposition process.

Use door hinges attached to the inside 
corners of boards the following year and
rake dirt in.  Pins can be pulled 
for easy removal and bed creation

Pro Tip:  The following season we rake up the used dirt that has been under a tarp for a few months and shovel it into low 2X4 or 2X6 beds we secure with door hinge pins on the inside... Works great and easy to remove and move around.  

Use cardboard to suppress weeds on paths in gardens

Gather cardboard: Collect cardboard boxes or sheets from various sources. Make sure the cardboard is free from any plastic coatings, tapes, or glossy finishes. Corrugated cardboard works best for this purpose.

Prepare the path: Clear the path of any existing weeds, rocks, or debris. Level the surface and make sure it's clean and ready for the cardboard.

Cut the cardboard: Measure the dimensions of the path and cut the cardboard into strips or pieces that fit the width of the path. It's best to overlap the edges of the cardboard pieces slightly to prevent weed growth.

Wet the cardboard: Before laying the cardboard, dampen it with water. This step helps to weigh it down and keep it in place during installation.

Lay the cardboard: Place the cardboard pieces directly onto the path, ensuring they cover the entire surface. Overlap the edges of the cardboard to minimize weed penetration. Press down the cardboard firmly to ensure good contact with the soil.

Add a protective layer: To enhance the longevity and effectiveness of the cardboard, add a layer of organic mulch on top. Materials such as wood chips, straw, leaves, or grass clippings work well for this purpose. Apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch evenly over the cardboard, extending beyond the edges to help anchor it in place.

Maintain the weed barrier: Periodically check the path for any signs of weed growth. If weeds manage to penetrate the cardboard and mulch layer, manually remove them to prevent them from establishing. Over time, the cardboard will break down, and you may need to add additional layers or replenish the mulch to maintain the weed-suppressing effect.

By using cardboard as a weed barrier on garden paths, you can minimize weed growth, reduce the need for chemical weed control, and recycle a readily available material. It's an excellent eco-friendly solution for maintaining clean and weed-free pathways in your garden.    End of season... just till the whole thing in or cover with a tarp to let it decompose.