Pecan Shells & Lawn Clippings

Pecan Shells
Pecan shells are long lasting and quite attractive. They are dark
brown in color and are highly effective in helping the soil retain its
moisture. If you do not live in an area where pecans are processed,
however, you may have a difficult time finding them for your garden.

Lawn Clippings
Everyone has lawn clippings! And, they also make a great mulch.
Lawn clippings are great for keeping on your lawn, as they provide
nutrients to your lawn’s soil. They can, however, also be collected and
used in your garden.
If you do choose to use lawn clippings as a mulch in your garden, it is
best to wait until the lawn clippings have dried out before you using
them. If you apply them while they are still fresh, then will become
compacted and will generate heat as they decompose. This can cause
damage to your plants.
When applying grass clippings as a garden mulch, you should create a
layer that is about two inches thick. This will provide you with
optimum weed control if you have already sufficiently removed all
weeds before adding the mulch. You may want to build up the layers
of grass clipping mulch over time in order to prevent using fresh
clippings or clippings that have not been adequately dried. If you use
fresh clippings, it will create a solid mat of mulch over your garden.
Lawn clippings can let off a scent for the first week or two as they
decompose, even after they have been dried. After this period has
passed, the scent will subside. You should also avoid using grass
clippings if your lawn has been treated with fungicides, pesticides, or
herbicides because these chemicals can have a negative impact onyour plants.

Mulch & Hull

Crushed Corncobs
Crushed corncobs are an inexpensive type of mulch that has an
excellent cushioning effect. In fact, they are often used on
playgrounds as well. You can usually purchase crushed corncobs in
their natural state or dyed.
n Hay
Hay is often used in farm and rural gardens because it is generally
readily available and inexpensive. Using aged bales of hay can further
32
32
improve its ability to reduce weed growth. Fresh hay, on the other
hand, can actually encourage weed growth because it usually contains
weed seeds. Hay should not be applied to the garden until after the
ground has become warmed. Otherwise, voles and mice may tunnel
under it to keep warm.
n Spent Hops
Spent hops are often readily available from breweries. They can be
somewhat smelly after they are first applied to the garden, but the
scent will go away in a few weeks.
n Buckwheat Hulls
Buckwheat hulls are a fluffy type of mulch. They are excellent for use
around annual and perennial flowers.
n Cocoa-bean Hulls
Cocoa-bean hulls provide a rich, brown color to your garden and
smell like tasty chocolate. If you choose to use cocoa-bean hulls as a
mulch, you should only apply a thin layer. Otherwise, they may
become moldy and slimy. If you do apply a layer that is more than
three inches thick, you should rake the mulch on occasion in order
to stir the hulls. This will help reduce the amount of dampness they
retain and make it less likely for mold to grow.
n Peanut Hulls
Peanut hulls can often be purchased at garden centers or directly
from peanut growers and peanut processors. Peanut hulls are
excellent for the garden because they provide nitrogen to the soil asthey break down.