I attended a workshop put on my the master gardener group here. One of the speakers was a Ph.D from University of Washington. I was a little unnerved when she was adamant about not putting cardboard or newspaper down on a bed -- in this case a new one. She said that the layer of cardboard and water even when covered by dirt or/and compost would prevent water and gas exchange if too wet or two dry. She is really hot on wood chips as the primo mulch as long as it is on top. It will prevent weed growth and you can easily plant growing plants in it. Just not seeds. Dave, would you take a look at "The Informed Gardener" by Linda Chalker-Scott and help me to understand her take on some issues that seem diametrically opposite to what I have been reading. I am getting really confused. I should say that her big thing is that is something is not supported by scientific testing then it should not be recommended by say Master gardeners or the Cooperative Extension.
