Newspaper Over top direct sown seeds to prevent weeds

I direct sown some seeds into my garden a few days ago. And i always have issues with weeds. I have used newspaper before to prevent weeds from coming up with plants i had started indoors then planted out. But my question is are bean seeds, and other vegetable seeds strong enough to push through newspaper? Most weed seeds germinate on top of the soil, whereas most other vegetable seeds are planted beneath the ground. Anybody have experience with this?

Thanks in advance!
Laura

Hi Laura,
If the newspaper is wet, the sprouted seeds may make it through newspaper.

What I would do is cut a circle just large enugh for the size of the seed, then plant the seed in the hole.

I live in Wyoming with clay soil so never direct sow even veggie seeds. I used to when I lived in Massachusetts.

Think of the logic.. if the newspaper is supposed to keep the weed seeds from surviving once sprouted, why would it be a good thing for the seedlings you're trying to grow?
If you're set on using the newspaper, I'd agree that cutting holes or strips for the sown seeds would be a good idea.

This message was edited Jul 10, 2014 5:08 PM

Another thing that helps is to disturb/ cultivate/ rake - or better yet, just scrape the surface - of the soil in your planting area just before you plant. It keeps weed seeds that were already there from getting a head start on your seeds. Or do this after your seeds sprout and then put you paper down.
If you want to put the paper down first, I wouldn't count on your seeds pushing through. I would leave a hole or slit for them.