Utilizing Garden-Friendly Shredded Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide
Got a ton of shredded paper lying around? Instead of tossing it, you can put it to good use in your garden! Paper is made from wood pulp or natural fibers that can be added to your compost pile or used as a mulch. But not all paper is suitable for gardening, so let's break down what you should and shouldn't shred.
What Should You Shred?
Plain office paper, newspapers (black and white without glossy sections), and brown paper bags are safe to shred and use in your garden. Avoid glossy paper, newsprint ads, colored paper, window envelopes, and cardboard with a glossy coating. These types may contain toxic chemicals and can harm your plants.
Modern paper manufacturers usually bleach white office paper with chlorine dioxide, which is less harmful than traditional chlorine bleach. However, if you're worried about the chemicals, stick to unbleached paper or avoid using shredded paper in your vegetable garden.
Composting Shredded Paper
One of the best ways to utilize shredded paper is by adding it to your compost pile. Shredding the paper reduces decomposition time. Aim for 25-30 times more carbon-rich materials, like shredded paper, than nitrogen-rich materials, such as kitchen scraps and grass clippings. To speed up the composting process, fill your bin all at once, water it as needed, and turn and aerate the compost once it starts to cool.
Mulching with Shredded Paper
Shredded paper can be used as mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture in your garden. Sprinkle an inch or two on top of the soil, then wet it with a hose. Be cautious; if the paper clumps together, it may repel water and act as a barrier. For a better appearance, top the shredded paper with straw or leaves.
Storing Bulbs with Shredded Paper
Shredded paper is excellent for storing bulbs during the winter. Fill a paper bag or cardboard box with paper, then nestle the bulbs inside. This keeps them dry and prevents rotting.
Remember, always double-check your local regulations before composting, mulching, or using shredded paper in your garden. And stay far away from paper with inks or finishes that might contain harmful chemicals. Happy gardening!
- Southern Living magazine might offer some gardening ideas for using shredded paper in your home-and-garden lifestyle, such as adding it to your compost pile or using it as mulch in your garden.
- If you're a gardener looking to care for your garden sustainably, consider recycling shredded paper as a garden tool; it can be used to provide nutrients and moisture in your garden.
- To maintain a healthy, eco-friendly garden, you can use shredded paper to store bulbs during winter, preventing rotting and keeping them dry.
- When planting in your garden, remember to avoid using glossy paper, newsprint ads, colored paper, window envelopes, and cardboard with glossy coatings, as they may contain toxic chemicals harmful toyour plants.
- A lifestyle that values the well-being of the environment can be easily seen in a well-tended garden; by reusing shredded paper as a mulch or compost, you can contribute to the sustainability of your garden and promote a home-and-garden environment that thrives.
