I wet the newspaper in a wastebasket or something before I put it down, work in sections, and top it with a 1" layer of bagged commercial mulch/compost. If I'm using cardboard I hose it down immediately after laying it out and then put the bagged product on top. After I finish I wet down the whole section thoroughly. Then I usually let everything sit for a day before I plant. That way all the layers are moist and easier to punch through.
