Garlic and newspaper mulch

Before I commit any serious newbie mistakes I thought I'd ask whether (potential paper toxins aside) there are any concerns around using newspaper as a sheet mulch - both shredded paper scattered on top of soil and the entire raied bed then covered by full newspaper - and then planting garlic through it.

I've taken over a new garden and the raised beds are grown over....I have no access to alternate mulching materials and so must rely on paper for now.

Based in Galway, west of Ireland, so it's typically very wet.

Ive read several of the older threads on the "paper mulch" ...but can't see any expression of concern  over the practicalities.

Any pointers genuinely appreciated.

Hi Ronan! Welcome to permies.

The only thing that I can foresee that may be an issue is the emerging garlic shoot trying to get through the full, unshredded newspaper. It might bump into it, and start going sideways looking for sunlight and a way to grow up. I just noticed the way you phrased it- "then planting garlic through it". If you plan to cut holes in the sheets of newspaper to plant the cloves through all your newspaper mulch, then that should allow an easy path for the garlic to emerge and grow through.

Thanks a million for that. Just the shot of confidence I needed!

Ill report here later in the summer and update on how it went!

Ronan MacLoughlin wrote:Thanks a million for that. Just the shot of confidence I needed!

Ill report here later in the summer and update on how it went!

Don't forget to! I'm very wary of mulch here due to slugs and not wanting to keep the soil wet or cool, similar climate to yours however so I'm watching how it goes. My garlic has refused to sprout so far.. grrs.

Yeah please check back in with an update! I'll be curious to know how well things went.