With the early onset of extreme heat this year, I decided to add mulch to the raised beds.  I wanted to keep the moisture from evaporating so quickly and to keep the weeds at bay.  After looking at all of the options, I decided I would try shredded newspaper.  My reasons:

• The ink is soy based so it is safe for plants
• It takes about 90 days to degrade
• It is low cost cost 
• I have an ample supply thanks to my weekend subscription and weekly neighborhood free newspapers
• It is good for the environment 

So, I spent a few hours on a hot Sunday, and shredded the newspapers I had accumulated.  Yes, I thought about the Craig Toomy character in "The Langoliers" as I filled my laundry basket with strips of newspaper.  After the plants were watered, the newspaper was applied in a nice, thick layer. 

We have had more wacky weather from extreme heat to violent thunderstorms and some days of "normal" temperatures.  The mulch has not blown out of the beds, and the few weeds that have popped up have been easy to pick out.  So for now, I would say it is working very well.