[jazzbyrd]

Can shredded paper be used around my strawberry plants instead of straw?

Jazz

[Trillium]

I wouldn't put them close to the plants as they tend to rot a bit differently and might pass on mold, but you could do a few inches from the crowns and certainly in the rows (if you have them).

[TerryB]

I've  used it but as Trillium said only in the rows between the plants.

[noshed]

I use it - it looks a bit messy at the beginning, then it rots down a bit.

[suesowsseed]

Would it not blow around too much? I used grass cuttings last year as a mulch around strawbs; it worked really well, wet the ground first, thick layer of grass and then let the grass dry out.  It rotted down nicely at the end of the year.

[TerryB]

Would it not blow around too much? I used grass cuttings last year as a mulch around strawbs; it worked really well, wet the ground first, thick layer of grass and then let the grass dry out.  It rotted down nicely at the end of the year.

Only if you use a cross shredder, that cuts the paper into small pieces. Ours in work only shreddes in one direction, so you end up with pieces as long as the paper fed in. 

[Chrysalis]

Ok, then.  Can I use chicken house shavings around my strawberries?  When do I need to do it, please?

[Trillium]

the paper wouldn't blow around too much if it gets a few frosts which will wet it down, or some rain, which will also pack it down. We get little rain here so after I set mulch in place I hose it a bit and that does the trick. Only a howling gale will move it.

As for chicken house shavings, you must be sure they're not fresh poop shavings because that will quickly burn roots. If it's aged chicken shavings, then you're okay but be sparing as chicken poo is very rich. Normally the best time to apply anything with feed or poo is right after the plants have fruited because you'll need to do plant maintenance then by cutting off old leaves and feeding. To add poo now will give you luscious leaves and little fruit.

[Chrysalis]

Sorry, I meant unused shavings!!