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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Digaround on March 16, 2006, 07:23:06

Title: Shredded paper
Post by: Digaround on March 16, 2006, 07:23:06
What is the best way to use shredded paper on the allotment ?

I was thinking for using it to 'line' the bottom of my potato trench.

What other uses could i put it to apart from in the compost bin.
Title: Re: Shredded paper
Post by: MikeB on March 16, 2006, 07:45:47
Linning your runner/french bean trench, in fact around any plant that needs water retentive properties
Title: Re: Shredded paper
Post by: glow777 on March 16, 2006, 07:52:16
Using instead of straw in your hen house (if you have one) then composting.

Possibly not the best but this is what I do, wonder if this would still burn potatoes if applied direct (more paper than poo)?
Title: Re: Shredded paper
Post by: Mrs Ava on March 16, 2006, 08:27:11
I used mine last year over my spuds.  As they grew through the ground, a frost was forecast and my fleece was all used up, so I mulched them with a thick layer of shredded paper.  Watered it lightly after with a watering can with a rose on just to make the top sticky so it didn't blow away.  Worked perfectly and then when the tops had grown through and were bigger, I started earthing up over the shredded paper.  The paper had all gone when I dug my spuds up.
Title: Re: Shredded paper
Post by: Curryandchips on March 16, 2006, 09:44:59
I have copious amounts of newspapers - as do most people. I stack them on my allotment to build walls and hence enclosures for compost, wood chippings etc. All the materials are totally recycleable of course, and if I want newspaper for digging in etc, then I already have it on hand, partly weathered.

Sorry, no pictures ...
Title: Re: Shredded paper
Post by: Trixiebelle on March 17, 2006, 13:27:24
Just a note of caution about using shredded paper as animal bedding: The ink in some paper publications can be poisonous to animals.
Title: Re: Shredded paper: Humane anti-slug
Post by: supersprout on March 18, 2006, 11:00:25
The shredded paper you get from offices (black ink only) makes a good anti-slug mulch for taller plants. They are faced with the death of 000 cuts if they make for your sprouts over the sharp paper surfaces so stay away (in other words, it's HUMANE ;D). You have to renew it every so often (can be composted) depending on the weather, to keep the edges sharp.