I use the same shreded bark I use on the ground--a couple of inches.

john

Using bark mulch, but wonedring if grass clipping would be a good mulch for peppers? I have been using it for years to mulch the flower beds. I am wondering if grass is not adding too much nitrogen to the soil for peppers.

Rick

Not sure if grass mulch would add or take away nitrogen as it breaks down, but I alway pile my dreaded grass clippings (not a pretty yard fan here) around the outside bottom of the containers to hold moisture and help cool the pots. Caution: too thick a layer at one time and you have produced a heat-producing compost pile of sorts.

I use a couple inches of shredded cypress mulch in my pots starting about now.

Paid an outrageous $13 this morning for a smallish bag of rubber mulch. Just an experiment.

jt

I've used shredded office paper /non-glossy junk mail on my plants for 2 years. Not sure if it's good since there is printed ink, but I've read it's mostly soy ink so it breaks down with no harmful effects.

It's does retain moisture with a thick enough layer, and it stops weeds much better than when I was using grass clippings.

Anyone know if the ink is an issue or not, and if it would have detrimental effects on the plants themselves or if it's toxic to the fruit, which would thereby be toxic to me since I'm eating them?