I'm trying to get more of my garden mulched, and I'm interested in using sawdust from our mill.

I've read that sawdust which has been aged 6-12 months will not cause nitrogen deficiency in soil; will its acidifying effect also be reduced?

Is it important that aging occur at consistent above-freezing temperatures? Does the size of the pile matter? Should it be kept dry, kept moist, or just left to the chance of the weather? I'm not looking to compost it; I'd like it to deter cucumber beetle larvae etc...

Thanks for taking time to read this.

Joanna