Question
Will using tar paper in my garden as weed block damage or harm my vegetables?

Answer
Laura, I personally would not use tar because it will leach from the paper into the soil.  The gummy composition will alter the tilth of the soil, which should remain loamy to help the plants draw in oxygen and nutrients.

Better alternatives are black plastic or newspaper.  The plastic will keep down weeds and last practically forever.  You must, however, punch holes in the plastic in order for water to get to the soil.

Newspaper is considered an organic mulch and will eventually break down and compost into the soil.  The downside is that you need to cover it with grass clippings or garden soil to keep it from blowing away during a heavy storm.  It will need to be replaced every year.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike