The Hidden Power of Cardboard & Brown Paper Bags in Your Garden

When we think about improving our gardens, cardboard and brown paper bags might not be the first things that come to mind. But these everyday items can be incredibly beneficial to your soil — and they’re often already lying around the house.

Using cardboard or brown paper bags in the garden is a simple, eco-friendly way to boost soil health. As natural materials, they break down over time and add valuable organic matter to the soil. This enriches soil life, improves fertility, and supports strong plant growth. Just be sure to remove any plastic labels, stickers, or tape first, as these aren’t biodegradable and aren’t environmentally friendly.

One of the best side effects? Earthworms love them. Cardboard and brown paper provide food and shelter, attracting worms that tunnel through the soil, improving aeration and leaving behind nutrient-rich castings.

Laying cardboard or paper bags at the bottom of a garden bed also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. As they decompose, they form a sponge-like layer that improves soil structure and reduces the need for frequent watering. They can also help loosen compacted soil and improve drainage, creating a more resilient environment for plant roots.

They also support the microscopic life in your soil. Both materials are carbon-rich “browns,” which help balance nitrogen-rich “greens” like food scraps or grass clippings. Fungi, bacteria, and other microbes thrive in this mix, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients.

To use them, lay cardboard or brown paper bags directly onto your garden before adding mulch. Over time, they’ll break down naturally, feeding the soil and keeping weeds in check.

It’s a simple, sustainable way to garden — and a great use for your paper waste.

Written by Kaylee Christison.