If you're like me you don't enjoy weeding. Unfortunately my kids don't really enjoy weeding either. One solution I have found that seems to work well is to lay down cardboard and plant the plants in holes in the cardboard. This has worked well for planting small seedling trees in rows. The seedlings when crowded by weeds can be pulled up by weeding, so to have a system to protect them from weeds is very helpful. This system should work good for vegetable gardens also.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Work up the soil and add any fertilizer you wish.
Step 2: Lay down the Cardboard
Whether you get your cardboard from boxes that you break down or another source, lay them down as flat as possible.
Step 3: Cut Holes in the Cardboard
Cut holes in the cardboard for the appropriate size of the things you are planting. If seed, then a puncture with a metal bar is probably sufficient. If plug starts, then you will need a little bigger hole. Try to make the holes as small as possible. You don't want to leave any room for weeds to grow!
The cardboard will help the soil retain moisture and also water will soak through it when you water your plants as well as penetrate through the holes.
So when you're thinking of disposing of that large appliance box you may want to lay it down as one of the rows in your garden.
