I’m using shredded paper in my compost bins and also mixing it with potting soil in the bottoms of pots I’m planting. This stuff is so finely shredded and the worms love it so I figure I might as well spread it around in the yard instead of putting it out with the recycling. I can’t think of any reason why this isn’t a good idea, but time will tell.
P.S. In reading this post I realized I need to clarify a few points. If I put it in the compost bins then I just throw it in there. If I put it in my planting beds then I’m burying the shredded paper so it doesn’t show. Plastic crabs and life-like iguana aside, I do try to maintain a little decorum in the garden!!!
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This should work fine. I used a similar method outlined in a Mrs. Greenthumbs book to prepare a bed for planting. The method involved laying about 3-5 layers of newspaper over the lawn or weedy ground then a layer of dirt about a half to one inch thick over the paper. If you do this in the Fall, by Spring you will have a wonderful planting bed. You can also just plant through the paper, like a plastic row cover, but I got more weeds this way and the soil wasn’t as soft and pliable compared to the bed that sat through the Winter.
Hello Loyal Reader Laurski,
Gotta love that Mrs Greenthumbs! Thanks for your comments and it’s nice to know someone’s reading the blog! Well, besides me, of course!