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Can I work the wood chips from a recently cut tree into my vegetable garden?

Last Updated: September 05, 2008

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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.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horticulture, compost, organic gardening, wood chips


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