Paper mulch

[Sheikh Yerboutti]

Ive been reading on here in various threads about folks using shredded paper as mulch or to aid water retention in soil.
I was thinking of doing similar ,but wondered about any toxins in the print ink.
Are there any chemistry geniuses here who can say yey or ney?

[Sanjo]

Not a chemistry genius but I am sure the question has been asked before and the answer is that the inks are vegetable based. Of course I may have dreamt that in which case I shall be shot down in flames!! I've no doubt the answer will be forthcoming shortly.
I personally do not used glossy newsprint ie colour supplement pages.

[tlck9]

there was an aticle some time again about using paper mache in paths, and lasted around 2 years, but could never find it again

[Two_Sheds]

I am sure the question has been asked before and the answer is that the inks are vegetable based.

Yes, and yes Quick link: http://www.animal-bedding.co.uk/animal-bedding.htm

[Jimmy]

I used to make paper pots for my runner beans out of scrap sheets of used A4.
I never had any problems but then one year all the beans looked weird.
All I could put it down to was we had changed from a black/white printer to a colour printer.
I suspected the colour ink had a detrimental effect.
I had some in normal plastic pots and they looked OK.
Jimmy

[w33blegurl]

My toodler had a good chew on a colour ink cartridge (yes bad parenting I know....) and after a call to NHS Direct it turned out they are generally non-toxic. So I'm guessing they will be fine for the plants. Of course my son was magenta for a week...!

Hadn't heard of using a paper mulch, but this is sounding like a good idea, might try myself!

[Sheikh Yerboutti]

Thanks peeps for replys, and Twosheds great link, Im saving papers from now on.

[Two_Sheds]

Newspapers are great: read them, then shred them for pet bedding & then compost them. Or turn them into paper pots, or use them as a sheet mulch.
Terrific value for money