We have almost no snow on the ground, very odd for January in Minnesota, it looks like early spring and I’m itching for gardening weather. After a couple years of gardening we are ready to expand the garden. Does anyone here use wood chips? We love the lack of weeds, had lush beautiful plants, but the plants didn’t produce much.
I don’t use wood chips for my garden, and neither does hubby. I sorta use the square foot garden method, so everything is planted so close the weeds don’t have a chance.
Sometimes put down straw or shredded newspaper for help in moisture control during the dog days of summer, or during germination.
Generally , raw wood chips will use up any available nitrogen as they decompose.
Most use wood chips to keep the weeks down , even cellulose (wood fibers found in Newspapers)are effective as a mulch to maintain soil moisture, and inhibit weeds.
If the lush foliage growth is green , but you have little for fruit or seeds , consider using a fertilizer (N/P/Ka) of 10-20-20.
Consider taking a soil sample to Coopertive Extension for fertilization (N/P/K) test and micro-nutrients testing before adding any nutrients or fertilizer.
Contact them prior to taking a sample to see how they reccomend you taking the sample. Cost , if any , is minimal or free.