Woodchip Epidemic

But Woodchips Are Good!

I think there is an epidemic going on of people adding woodchips to the soil as a amendment. Woodchips applied to the soil surface as a mulch is okay but mixing these into the soil can lead to problems if you aren’t careful. 

Part of this trend is fueled by social media like YouTube and Internet discussion groups and experimentation by gardeners with concepts such as Hugelkulture. It works but it must be done correctly.

Tomato failure. Why? Woodchips.I would not add woodchips to an area that has to be dug up every year.

Everything in Moderation

Adding wood debris to the soil for its improvement requires a balance between the carbon load added to the soil in the form of woodchips, water and nitrogen added to the soil at the same time to help it rot. 

Add Nitrogen

These sources of nitrogen help woodchips to decompose and rot without affecting other plants growing in the same area. Without this additional nitrogen, plants growing in the area yellow and may die. Seeds planted in these types of amended soils fail to germinate.

            Additional nitrogen can be added by chopping up kitchen scraps, green waste from the yard such as leaves and grass clippings and even mixing in commercial fertilizers high in nitrogen such as 21-0-0. Rotting is sped up by turning it and keeping it moist.