Quote:
Originally Posted by tjg911
But what about next season? I wouldn't want wood chips being turned under but straw or leaves will break down fast.
tom
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When first using wood chips my intention was to rake the cover off, then prepare the soil as required. Low and behold there was practically nothing to rake off. Even after one summer breakdown is very high, and after being rototilled in and overwintered there is nothing left. My view is the wood chips condition the soil and are totally beneficial. At the present time, I have no compunction in laying wood chips all over the vegetable garden primarily to inhibit moisture loss due to hot Sun evaporation. Straw and leaves can be a pain in the azz when planting seeds, since they tend to get in the way. My wood chips allow moisture to seep through without hindrance. Both straw and leaves can be as major problem. Also there are absolutely no weed seeds in wood chips.