Here is a sketch that shows the way we've layered the mulching system. The drip tube, with its in-line emitters, lies directly on the topsoil. We amended the topsoil earlier in the year. We layered straw (untreated w/ fungicides or any other nasties) above the drip tubes. Then we laid several sheets of newspapers down on the straw and wet it to hold it down. Finally we added a layer of organic compost from the garden store. The compost is heavy and holds everything else in place.
So far I've got about half the garden mulched. Angel has started planting in that half. We had a late (and very strong) storm blast through starting Thursday night. While the layering was perturbed by the high winds, the overall mulching system mostly stayed in place.
To keep down costs, I've piled most of the top layer of mulch in rows above the drip tubes. All you have to do to plant is poke through the newspaper and push the straw aside. I've saved some big pieces of cardboard that we can use to cover the paths between the rows.
This should keep the weeds under control while it helps maintain soil moisture. We'll see how it works.
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