These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution
eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.
eXtension: more mind reachHave a question? Try asking one of our Experts
Last Updated: September 05, 2008
Adding uncomposted materials directly to the soil may produce some undesirable effects. The microbes that break down the organic wastes will compete with the plant roots for nitrogen. This will result in nitrogen deficiency and poor plant growth.
It would be better to compost the wood chips before adding the organic matter to the vegetable garden. That way you can be assured that your vegetable crops will not suffer. Compost is also easier to handle and incorporate into the soil.
Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.
