If you’ve spent any time in gardening groups, you’ve probably seen the debate: Is cardboard safe for organic gardening? At Earthborn, we love simple, natural solutions—but we also love making sure they’re truly safe for your soil and your food.

Here’s the real story, broken down the Earthborn way.

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🌱 Cardboard as a Weed Blocker

A double layer of plain brown corrugated cardboard, overlapped and placed over cut weeds, works beautifully to smother unwanted growth. Add compost, mulch, or rich organic soil on top, and you’ve got an easy start for a new bed.

But before laying it down—what about chemicals?

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🌿 Do Delivery Boxes Contain Pesticides?

There’s an old rumour that warehouse boxes (yes… the big A too) are sprayed with pesticides. But major manufacturers and the companies using those boxes have confirmed: they don’t spray or pre-treat boxes with pesticides. None. Zero.

So that myth can officially retire.

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🔍 And What About “Forever Chemicals” (PFAS)?

PFAS are designed to repel water, oil, and grease. You’ll mostly find them in fast-food packaging, take-away containers, and water-resistant cardboard—not in regular brown shipping boxes.

However, because many boxes contain recycled fibres, a tiny amount might end up in certain batches. The good news? There’s an easy test:

👉 Do the Oil Drop Test:
Place a drop of cooking oil on the cardboard.

• If it soaks in, you’re good—no PFAS.
• If it beads up, the cardboard may contain PFAS and shouldn’t be used in the garden.
  Test both sides.

Simple. Quick. Peace of mind.

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🌾 What About Glue and Ink?

Cardboard glue is almost always made from plant starch—corn, rice, wheat, or potato.
Black ink is typically vegetable-based too.

But avoid cardboard with coloured inks. Some coloured dyes may contain metals that can build up in soil over time. For organic gardening, keep it plain and brown.

Research from sustainable agriculture groups confirms that plain brown corrugated cardboard is considered safe in the garden when used correctly.

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❗ What NOT to Use

To keep your garden chemical-free:

🔸 No white or glossy cardboard
🔸 No shiny coatings (this usually means plastic)
🔸 Remove all tape, stickers, and staples
🔸 Avoid coloured inks

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🍃 Alternatives if You’re Low on Cardboard

You can also use:

• Black-and-white newspapers (no glossy pages)
• Brown paper bags with black ink only

These break down beautifully and support healthy soil life.

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🌱 The Earthborn Bottom Line

Brown, non-glossy cardboard is an excellent tool for weed suppression and bed preparation—as long as you choose the right type and do a quick PFAS check. Nature approves, your soil approves, and your future harvest definitely approves.

#gardeningwithcardboard #EarthBornGrower #organicgardening #soilhealth #growwithconfidence #earthbornafrica