"In early spring, before the rains start, ground is dry, my garden is rota tilled. I then spread old newspapers that I have saved during the year over all the dirt, covering them with dark plastic. This adds moisture during summer dry spells to the roots of my Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers and Squash for a maintenance free "No Weeds" garden. I then take a cutter making X's were I want to plant each item, I use the garden staples to hold down the plastic, any standing water after a good rain I cut a slit into the plastic to allow it to drain underneath. At the end of the season, the newspapers will add mulch to my dirt along with my coffee grounds/egg shells I save/dump into a corner of my garden. I have my garden fenced in. I also plant Canna Lily's around this fence which keeps out the moles. It's a lot of work but well worth it." -Carol Brown
Credit: Carol Brown