I’ve gotten into the habit of saving old newspapers instead of tossing them out. What started as a way to cut down on waste turned into one of the handiest gardening tricks I’ve picked up over the years.

A stack of newspapers can do a lot more than most people realize. I’ve used them to block weeds, line garden beds, start compost piles, and tackle a few other garden jobs without spending extra money on supplies.

The best part is that newspaper breaks down naturally over time. It doesn’t sit around for years, and it can even help improve the soil as it decomposes.

If you have old newspapers piling up at home, don’t rush them to the recycling bin. Here are 11 ways I put them to work in my garden every season.

old morning newspapers — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Smother Weeds

If a garden bed is full of weeds, newspaper can help clear it without hours of digging. Lay down six to eight layers of regular black-and-white newspaper (skip glossy pages), soak them with water, and cover the area with mulch.

Within a few weeks, the weeds underneath will die off as the paper blocks sunlight. The newspaper eventually breaks down into the soil while the mulch keeps the area looking tidy.

Line the Bottom of Plant Pots

Newspaper works well for lining the bottom of pots with large drainage holes. A few folded sheets help keep soil from washing out while still allowing water to drain properly.

Unlike gravel or plastic liners, newspaper naturally decomposes over time.

Add It to Compost

Newspaper is a valuable “brown” material for compost piles. It helps balance the “green” materials, such as kitchen scraps and grass clippings.

Shredding the paper into strips improves airflow in the pile and helps microbes break everything down faster.

Make Seed-Starting Pots

A newspaper can easily be folded or rolled into small biodegradable seed pots. Fill them with soil and plant your seeds just like you would in a regular container.

When it’s time to transplant, the entire pot can be planted in the ground, where it will gradually break down without disturbing the roots.

Use It as Garden Mulch

When other mulch materials are limited, newspaper can work as a temporary mulch layer.

Lay several sheets between plants, wet them so they stay in place, and cover with straw, leaves, or compost. This blocks sunlight and helps keep weeds from sprouting.

Create Garden Bed Borders

A newspaper can be placed beneath bricks, stones, or other edging materials to temporarily prevent grass from creeping into garden beds.

By the time the paper decomposes, the garden border will already be established and easier to maintain.

Help Deter Slugs and Snails

Some gardeners place crumpled newspaper around plants to make it harder for slugs and snails to move through the garden.

The rough, dry texture can discourage these pests from crossing the area.

Wrap Harvested Vegetables

Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and turnips can be wrapped in newspaper before being stored in the refrigerator or root cellar.

The paper absorbs extra moisture and helps keep the vegetables fresh longer.

Insulate Plant Containers

In colder weather, wrapping outdoor pots with several layers of newspaper can help protect plant roots from temperature swings.

The paper acts as a simple insulating layer that can be secured with twine or covered with burlap.

Make a Worm Bed

A torn newspaper can be used to create a bedding layer for worms in compost bins or worm farms.

Moisten the paper and mix it with food scraps and compost materials to create an inviting environment for worms.

Clean Up Garden Spills

Newspaper is excellent for absorbing small oil or grease spills in sheds or garden work areas. Lay a few sheets over the spill and let the paper soak it up before disposing of it.