Author Topic: Newspaper in bean trenches (Read 10597 times)

Slug_killer · « **on:** February 13, 2007, 13:02:14 »

I'm sure this question must come up as regularly as couch, but I couldn't find it in a search.

I want to make a bean trench and add newpaper to help water retention, but is the ink in newpapers safe, or am I adding unknown chemicals to the soil ?

SMP1704 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2007, 13:09:32 »

I think the general view is black and white is the best choice. I did read somewhere that increasingly colour inks are vegetable based and so should be OK. Generally avoid the FT because the pink ink is a bit nasty. I avoid using glossy magazines - they still go in the recycle bin.

Hope that helps

manicscousers · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2007, 14:47:55 »

we put newspapers and chopped up envelopes and letter heads in, they can't be recycled so either go in the trench or in the compost ;D

cornykev · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2007, 17:01:35 »

I put newspaper, cardboard, junk mail and veg peelings in the trench then topped with manure then filled in the soil and mounded up. ;D ;D ;D

Mrs Ava · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2007, 17:41:52 »

If it's paper, then it is shredded in this house at the moment, My bean trench was filled up with shredded paper of all shapes and sizes. Newspaper I use to wrap veggie peelings up in and it all goes onto the compost heap.

thegroatgardener · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2007, 21:58:45 »

If you want a well developed crop use shredded Times, Observer or Guardian.

If you use the Sun or Mirror you'll get a retarded crop

If you use the FT, remember your crop can fall as well as rise.

cambourne7 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2007, 23:02:40 »

very clever

quizzical1 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2007, 23:04:52 »

So presumably shredded BILLS etc. can also be buried in Bean trenches?

And can the same thing be put on the compost heap if there's too much for the beans?

cambourne7 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2007, 23:19:38 »

yes you can use shreaded paper in a compost as a brown (dry) layer.

Slug_killer · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2007, 15:04:25 »

So, is the general verdict that the inks used these days are ok for the veggie plot?

cambourne7 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2007, 15:13:37 »

i dont know, certianly never heard anything about the ink issue untill i looked here

cornykev · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2007, 15:47:38 »

Be careful with the shredded bills quiz make sure theres no over drafts in there or they might blow your beans over. ;D ,and if I shred a porno mag will it benefit a HARDy plant Forking Good

manicscousers · « **Reply #12 on:** February 19, 2007, 15:57:15 »

I'm sure someone said the inks are all veggie based now, can't remember where ;D

RobinOfTheHood · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2007, 17:19:07 »

Hope so, I'm currently covering the lottie with tons (almost) of shredded office paper.

I intend to dig it in shortly and use it as mulch in the summer....hopefully it will lighten the soil a little.

Wasp_Box · « **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2007, 17:39:00 »

What is this "bean trench" of which you speak? And why would you bother? I've grown beans without a trench for years and always had good crops.....

Am I missing something? Should I be encouraging my beans to enjoy The Independent?

bennettsleg · « **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2007, 19:38:20 »

Having got a shredder recently, all available bits of paper (bills, envelopes, ransom demands etc) get fed through it and it's amazing how far a little goes. I'll be packing the bottom of my bean trench with the stuff too, as well as some fertiliser and (if I get round to picking some up from the hairdresser) some hair. Good source of nirogen apparently, if a little creepy. I hear that fleece (from sheep, not the modern fabric) is good as it absorbs alot of water as well as being a good nitrogen source.

cambourne7 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 19, 2007, 19:45:45 »

darn if you had mentioned hair yesterday i could have saved the stuff i cut off hubbies head which are now in the dyson!

quizzical1 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 19, 2007, 19:49:22 »

Hi C7,
so why not empty entire contents of said Dyson into your bean trench? I'm sure household dust will rot down just as well as everything else that has been suggested.

Blue Bird · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2007, 19:56:36 »

Just jammed the shredder - 2nd one in 6 months anyone know were a cheap replacement can be found????? ???

last one cost 11.99

quizzical1 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 19, 2007, 23:13:58 »

Re cheap shredder......look here

http://www.wilkoplus.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=17002&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=17001&top_category=17001

News:

Author Topic: Newspaper in bean trenches (Read 10597 times)