Sawdust

Sawdust: Fine particles of wood produced by sawing, which can be used in gardening as mulch or a soil amendment.

Think of sawdust as tiny wood shavings, like the confetti from a woodworker’s party. In the garden, it can be a surprisingly helpful material. It’s like a free, natural resource that can help improve your soil.

Sawdust can be used as mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It’s like a cozy blanket for your plants. However, using aged or composted sawdust is important, as fresh sawdust can tie up nitrogen in the soil, which plants need to grow. It’s like making sure your blanket isn’t too heavy or suffocating.

When mixed into the soil, sawdust can improve drainage and aeration, especially in heavy clay soils. It’s like adding tiny air pockets to make the soil more breathable. But again, make sure it’s aged or composted to avoid nitrogen depletion. It’s like adding the right amount of spice to a dish–too much or too little can ruin it. And remember, some woods, like cedar, contain natural compounds that can inhibit plant growth, so it’s best to avoid those. It’s like being careful about what ingredients you use in a recipe.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.