Yvonn’s Garden Corner: Gardening with Burlap Bags
The gardening season is in full swing, and with it, we look for the best way to curb the growth of those persistent weeds while continuing to nourish our soil — gardening with burlap bags can be extra helpful. Burlap bags are made of biodegradable, natural fibers, which break down in the soil and provide a rich layer of nutrients for your plants. If you haven’t thought gardening with burlap bags, now is your chance to learn a little bit about it and see if it’s a possibility for you!
Burlap bags are usually made out of several different ingredients, with the two most common being Jute and Hemp. Jute is a small, soft plant which is grown mostly in Bangladesh and some parts of India. It thrives in wet/monsoon climates and is the second largest natural fiber grown around the world after cotton. Jute leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, calcium and vitamin E. The leaves of the Jute plant historically were eaten to restore youth and good health. Jute is woven into burlap bags, along with hemp, agave, and vegetable fibers, and is then exported all over the world.
Follow these easy steps for gardening with burlap bags!
- Choose the right location for gardening with burlap bags. I usually place mine in areas with tough weeds or along garden paths.
- Place the burlap directly over the weeds and layer if necessary. If you have time, you can choose to dig up the weeds before covering them with burlap. This can lead to stronger weed prevention!
- After placing the burlap in your garden, cover with sand, soil, bark, or rocks. This simple step before planting will fortify your garden soil with rich vitamins and will keep weeds at a minimum.
Tip: If the weeds in your garden are extra persistent, first place newspaper or cardboard beneath the burlap to create a stronger wall between the weeds and your plants.
Let us know how gardening with burlap bags has helped you show off your garden in the comments below!