Mulch question
Ivyhouse
Posts: 105
I've just spent the day shredding a heap of hornbeam and privet and now have a considerable batch of potential mulch. Is there anything I shouldn't use it for or can I safely spread it round the veg. plot as well as the flower beds ?
Many thanks.
0
Posts
Ivyhouse, it always much better to compost shreddings before using as a mulch because uncomposted material will take nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes. You could always add extra nitrate by use of fertilizers to replace it though.
I would be inclined to pile it somewhere out of the way for a year, then mulch with it. As Bob says, it will deplete your soils nitrogen levels.
I use new woody shreddings as paths infront of fences hedges etc so I can wend my way into borders to deadhead cutback etc. eventually they rot down but while they are fresh they are not depleting fertility of the borders. Otherwise I bag them up and gradually add them to my compost bin.
Compost it is then folks. Many thanks again for the insightful replies.
I have a local tree surgeon who brings me his shreddings. Waste to him, compost material to me. I'd always compost it first. Great to add with grass cuttings.