Should you use recycled paper as mulch?

While you can toss used paper into the compost bin, you can also shred it and use it as mulch all on its own. It’s not the best mulch in town but will do in a pinch to keep weeds at bay. Following are some tips.

If you’re going to shred used paper for mulch, make sure you separate your shred pile. Some people have those new heavy duty shredders that grind discs and other small bits of plastic. You don’t want to toss plastic into the garden.

Don’t shred glossy magazines or glossy mail – it may not break down easily in the garden.

Avoid some kinds of junk mail like those envelopes with plastic windows. At least make sure you remove the window.

About ink – I’ve heard mixed reviews. Some gardeners think you should only shred and use paper with black ink, saying colored ink may be a baddie in the garden. Others say you should only use paper with ink to mulch non-food plants. I’ve heard three gardeners say, ink or not, paper is excellent mulch between rows of berries which goes against the food issue. Hmmm? I’m not sure but I tend to go with the least harmful idea when possible. Newspaper inks are considered safe colored or not, but when it comes to other sorts of ink, well, it’s hard to be sure. I’ve used non-newspaper paper as mulch (with colored ink) in the bottom of pots of flowers, but not around food. If you’re really concerned a safer route would be to toss the paper into your compost bin, not simply shred and use.

Above I noted that paper is not the best mulch. It’s ok. However a Q&A piece at the New York Times points out that when possible use another mulch, one that will improve your soil in a more efficient manner. They also comment on the ink issue and discuss the risk (or not) of paper depleting nitrogen. Basically, you should use paper when you need to, but go with another mulch when possible.

Do you use recycled paper as mulch? Why or why not?

[image via stock.xchng]