Alternatives to Mulch?

[parnelli]

Years ago I did cocoa shells- seemed to look good for a few years without replacing, and didn't do such a number on the mower blade as the big wood chunks do when they get into the lawn. I don't think termites eat them, but you'd have to double check if that's an issue where you live. Also, they can be a problem for dogs that like to eat it.

Pecan shells are an alternative as well.

[siliconbauhaus]

Funny you mentioned the rubber smell....my wife went to some park the other day where they used it and told me it stunk. The other sample sounds really bad.

We use cocoa shells here as we're close enough the Hershey Pa to get them by the bag.

[Russianwolf]

Funny you mentioned the rubber smell....my wife went to some park the other day where they used it and told me it stunk. The other sample sounds really bad.

We use cocoa shells here as we're close enough the Hershey Pa to get them by the bag.

Where do you get them, how much are they, and any downsides?

[Kristofor]

Around here (Minnesota) Home Depot, Menards, and Fleetfarm all sell the cocoa shells. In the Menards add from a couple days ago they were $3.44 for a 2 cubic foot bag compared to $1.99 for various flavors of shredded mulch. I haven't seen them available for bulk purchase from any nursery stores around here though, so it's a pretty spendy (relative)option...

[siliconbauhaus]

Mike,

We get tham at a garden centre place in PA called Lurgans.

Lurgan Greenhouse, 8126 Oakdale Rd Orrstown, PA 17244-9694, 7175329045

I cant think of any real downsides to them except you have to replace it every so often. It smells good though

[grandy]

mulch

our news station did a comparison on what to put in flower beds and to my surprise the best was pine needles, I have pine trees and hate them, but they said the pine needles allowed air to the dirt , held the soil better did not mildew or get bugs. and it cost less. my yard is full of it. I guess you don't think of things that are in your own yard to begin with when a lot of folks are paying for pine needles.I have more than I would ever need. maybe I could start a business(ha).

[jcrenick]

Use a good ground cover planting. Once established you won't have to mulch or mow. Check for your area what will work best.