Shredded paper recycled as mulch and in compost is a good source of nitrogen for the home garden. Paper is considered “brown” material like leaves or hay; add it to balance out “green” material like fresh grass clippings and vegetable peelings. There are a variety of easy ways to use documents, newsprint, or bags in the garden and for different purposes. Many types of paper can be repurposed for uses ranging from mulch, to easy clean-up of natural debris, to potting plants.
Types of Paper that Work Best in the Garden
Not all paper is suited for organic gardening, so first sort the items that will be used. Go through and remove any plastic, staples or other potential garbage that will not break down. Avoid using glossy inserts. While many newspapers are converting to soy or vegetable based inks, some still use chemical based inks for glossy inserts. With newspapers, the large black and white sections work best and provide quick, even coverage when mulching. Papers printed from home computers are safe to use as well.
How to Mulch with Newspaper
Mulch is probably the most common way to uses recycled paper in the home garden. Lay newspaper over the soil but leave a few inches of soil exposed around the base of each plant. Consider the garden conditions to determine how much newspaper should be put down. Thick mulches can harbor slugs so if the climate is damp use only two or three sheets of newspaper. If the climate is dry, try five or six sheets. Anchor the newspapers with rocks, or, if looks are a concern, add a layer of wood chip mulch over the newspaper. Remember where any seeds or bulbs are planted when putting down newspaper. Young plants are not strong enough to break through a thick covering of newspaper.
Recycle Junk Mail into Garden Compost
To incorporate office paper or junk mail into compost, first run it through a shredder. Shredded paper can also be used as mulch, but is harder to keep down without a coat of wood chip mulch. The best use for shredded paper is to work it evenly into the compost pile. If there is too much in a clump the paper will just become a big blob when it gets wet and then dries again. Water the compost pile well after the paper is incorporated.
Other Ways to Use Paper in the Home Garden
Newspaper and junk mail aren't the only types of paper that can be of service in the garden. Paper bags are also useful in the home garden. When peeling a lot of vegetables, deadheading flowers, or removing organic debris, keep a paper bag nearby. Toss the organic debris in the bag and bury it either in the compost pile or in the garden bed. Coffee filters, with the grounds still in them, have a variety of uses. Use them in the bottom of potted plants to keep the soil from leaking out.
Paper can be useful, economical and environmentally friendly if used correctly in the garden. Instead of throwing it in the garbage or recycling bin consider the many ways to repurpose paper in soil, compost or in pots.
Resources
The Magic of Newspaper Mulch by Eugene Engeldinger
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