Wood chips are a bit of a gamble, honestly. I mulched a shady corner with them last spring—looked great at first, but the plants nearby definitely slowed down for a while. I think the nitrogen tie-up is real, at least in the top inch or so. If you’re layering over something green, maybe that helps... but I’d keep an eye on anything you’re hoping will grow fast. Still, nothing beats that fresh wood chip smell after rain.
I think the nitrogen tie-up is real, at least in the top inch or so.
I’ve heard that too, but honestly, I’ve dumped wood chips all over my veggie beds (after the plants were up) and didn’t notice much of a slowdown. Maybe it depends on the type of wood? Or how fresh they are? I do agree about the smell though—nothing like it after a summer rain. I just rake them back if I’m planting seeds, seems to work fine.
I totally get what you mean about the smell—there’s something really earthy and comforting about it after rain, right? I’ve been nervous about the whole nitrogen thing too, but honestly, I mulched with some pretty fresh chips last year and my tomatoes didn’t seem to care at all. Maybe it’s just one of those gardening myths that’s only true in certain situations? Either way, raking them aside when planting sounds like a good plan. It’s all a bit of trial and error anyway... kind of fun figuring it out as you go.
“I mulched with some pretty fresh chips last year and my tomatoes didn’t seem to care at all.”
That’s interesting, because I’ve always read that fresh wood chips can tie up nitrogen, but maybe it’s not as dramatic as people say—especially if you’re not mixing them directly into the soil. Here’s what I usually do: 1) Lay down a layer of cardboard, 2) Add the wood chips on top, 3) Wait a few months before planting anything serious. It’s not fancy, but it keeps costs down and seems to work. Sometimes I get impatient and skip the wait... haven’t killed anything yet, knock on wood.
I’ve had the same debate in my head about fresh wood chips. Honestly, I’ve dumped wheelbarrows of the stuff around my fruit trees and veggies—sometimes right after chipping. Never noticed any major issues, at least not above ground. Maybe the cardboard buffer helps? Or maybe plants are just tougher than we give them credit for. Either way, it’s way cheaper than bagged mulch, and I like the look. If something starts looking hungry, I just toss down a little extra compost and call it good.
