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Towels as mulch?

 
Jennifer Sarrett
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Hi all

I'm wondering if anyone has used old towels or even sheets as mulch to tamp down weeds and things before planting. If so, was it successful? Tips on making it successful? Is mold an issue?

Thanks!!
Jen
 
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I like the idea. I've composted them, but using them as mulch for a year or two first would be more functional. Though -- I wonder with towels whether (at least in my climate) they'd get wet, stay wet, and create too much of a respiration barrier.
 
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I would want to make sure that the towels are 100% cotton.

I have not used anything like that for mulch though I have used sheets to protect plants from insects, sun and frost.

Using something that is like wood chips for mulch has two-fold results.  The wood chips hold in moisture and then break down adding nutrients to the soil.

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I actually just used a few pairs of jeans as mulch for my flower garden this month. I figure that they have to be better then the plastic lawn fabric the garden center sells right? I dont see any problems so far. I covered them with mulch so it looks pretty and they dont blow away. I guess wel have to wait and see if it retains moisture well!

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The moisture concern makes sense in wetter climates. Cotton breaks down faster than you'd expect though, so it probably doesn't linger long enough to become a real problem. Covering it with wood chips on top like Sam did seems like the sensible move, stops it turning into a soggy mat.

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Mike Leroy
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I got a similar issue.
I had a few barks lying around but got no wood chipper so I just bought me some mulch made from fresh oak.
Only issue is my soil and plants now look "anemic" if that makes sense. Any ideas?
 
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