Using sawdust as a mulch

Andy999 · « **on:** January 18, 2008, 11:17 »

Is it possible to use fine sawdust as a mulch,the reason I ask is that I have access to large quantities and also have quite a few soft fruit bushes & raspberry cains that could benefit from have a mulch placed around there base.
Also, can I place said sawdust onto my compost heap as a layer between green waist.

WG. · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2008, 11:19 »

I would advise against on both counts.

richyrich7 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2008, 11:25 »

I would definitely not apply as a mulch, it will cause nitrogen deprivation of the soil as it is broken down, and in your compost heap well a little I personally would, but not large quantities for the same reason as above.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2008, 12:53 »

I'd not use it as a mulch but you can compost it - with care -

http://mailman.cloudnet.com/pipermail/compost/2004-February/011695.html

WG. · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2008, 13:04 »

I am not a fan of composting sawdust at all but in this case, I would certainly advise against it. Ordinarily it might help aerate a heap but fine sawdust will not even do this.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2008, 13:12 »

I think it's got too much resin in it too :!:

WG. · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2008, 13:17 »

On a more positive note Andy, you might want to find a way to wet it. Then bag it & innoculate with spores for your favourite tree mushroom.

Trillium · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2008, 16:11 »

I foolishly used sawdust once on one row and it really inhibited plant growth, as in, nil. However, it did disappear by the 2nd year so there's hope.

If Andy has so much, then a dedicated sawdust compost pile with layers of high nitrogen weed leaves would do, like comfrey, rhubarb, dandelion, etc. And keep it somewhat moist to hasten decomposition. Eventually you'd have something worth while.

richyrich7 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2008, 21:05 »

Quote from: "Trillium"

I foolishly used sawdust once on one row and it really inhibited plant growth, as in, nil. However, it did disappear by the 2nd year so there's hope.

Use it as weedkiller ! around the edge of your plot

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Using sawdust as a mulch

WG.

WG.

WG.

Trillium