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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    December 13, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I'd say the best mulch depends on the type of plants that it is being used for. Sugar cane mulch is a very good way to improve the look of your garden, and keep weeds out, though. I would see no problem in using this type of mulch. The best time to mulch your garden would be in spring, unless the purpose is to protect against the winter cold. If this is what you are using it for, then there would be no harm in doing this now.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    January 29, 2018
    A.

    The oil itself will not be harmful to the soil and plants, but adding oil to mulch or compost can potentially attract pests like rats and mice to the area as they seek out high caloric sources like oil.

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    February 24, 2018
    A.

    Sawdust should be composted if it is from untreated wood. A mulch needs to be light and airy. Sawdust will become compacted and oxygen poor in the middle.

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    April 5, 2018
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes, they will rob nutrients since they are not properly composted. This would be the biggest difference between commercial mulch, and fresh tree material. Put those in your compost pile to let it break down some.

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    April 24, 2018
    A.

    I have other do Not use plant leaves: buckthorn, pokeweed and eucalyptus. I'm sorry I omitted these in my original answer.

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    April 21, 2018
    A.

    The key is to allow the leaves to dry and then shred them or run the mower over them to keep leaves from matting down. This creates a barrier to water and air. All tree leaves can be used. Black walnut toxin, juglone, breaks down within 2 weeks after shredding. Any effect would be minor compared to the juglone in roots. Oleander and other toxic leaves like poison ivy should not be used unless they are fully composted first.

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    April 23, 2018
    A.

    You will need to contact your newspaper to discover what type of ink is used. For a while, plant-based inks were common but some have started adding petroleum products in their ink. Some laser and toner products are OK but not all of them. Colored inks are not safe. Glossy and super smooth paper may have plasticizers. Another issue with mail is how the paper was bleached. Chlorine bleach is one process for whitening paper pulp. When it breaks down, it releases the toxin, dioxin. Plain cardboard and newsprint are often used in gardening. Anytime you use non-composted matter, you tie up a bit of nitrogen from the soil in the composting process. And since this material will break down, I don't think it will be an effective weed barrier unless you keep piling it on. Also, it may fly all over the neighborhood when it dries out. (Regular paper should be shredded to prevent matting which creates a barrier to air and water penetration. Lasagna gardening uses double layers of cardboard over the grass and piles soil and compost on top of it. https://permaculturenews.org/2016/03/14/is-newspaper-safe-for-your-garden/

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