Question
Hi, Sijka,

I've been reading over the Internet that I can create an area for planting in an area where grass (or grass and weeds I should say) is currently growing by laying wet newspaper (about 12 sheets thick) over the grass and then adding top soil. For some reason, I can't seem to find any info on how deep the layer of top soil should be. Might you know?

Also, is it true that I can plant immediately? I'd like to put down ground covering (not sure what yet, but probably pachysandra and some other covering). Would this method of creating a planting area be good for planting ground covering? Are their certain ground coverings that wouldn't root well in shallow soil (assuming that the top soil I put down should be 2-3 inches deep)?

Thanks,
Erika

Answer
Erika,
  Your method would be fine for all ground covers.  Most of them have very little deep root system. You could also use shredded newspaper if you want to to decompose faster.  Add a little New seed/plant starter fertilizer to the soil and you should have great results.
Sijka