Q : My tomatoes are ready for the cages to be put around them . I live near a sawing machine mill . Can I expend their sawdust to mulch around the love apple ? .
A : Your flora should be fine with sawdust mulch that is no more than an inch loggerheaded . However , make certain the lumbermill isn’t functioning with walnut tree log . The blackjack from walnut tree flake can harm plants .
Is Sawdust honorable for Growing Tomatoes ?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to spring up in plate gardens , Their sweet juicy flavor when picked new off the vine simply ca n’t be dead , But develop sound tomato plants requires good soil and the right amendments , So is sawdust a good plus when growing tomatoes ?
The short resolution is yes , sawdust can be used when uprise tomatoes but it needs to be used carefully . Sawdust is high in carbon which can bind up N in the soil that plant involve . It also better down very slowly so it does n’t bring many nutrients back into the dirt apace . However , as a soil amendment in relief , sawdust offers some benefits for tomato plants .
Benefits of Using Sawdust for tomato plant
meliorate soil structure and drainage – The texture of sawdust helps air the grime and improve weewee drainage . This is good for tomato roots .
Suppresses weeds – Spreading a layer of sawdust mulch around plant life blocks light from strain weed seed . Less weeds means less competition for nutrient and piss .
Retains wet – Sawdust is first-class at retaining water in the soil . Tomatoes need consistent moisture , especially when fruits are develop .
Adds organic matter over clock time – As sawdust slowly break down it contributes organic matter and nutrients to the dirt . This improves natality and weewee holding capacitance .
Affordable and promptly available – Sawdust is chintzy , easy to source and use . It ’s a budget - well-disposed soil amendment compared to compost or manure .
downside of Sawdust for Tomato Plants
High carbon subject matter – Sawdust is almost pure carbon . As it decomposes , it pluck nitrogen from the soil that plants need . This can stunt growth and yield .
May harbor mold or fungus kingdom – Some fungi that live in decompose Sir Henry Joseph Wood can infect tomato plants . Using fresh , unrotted sawdust reduces this risk .
Potentially toxic chemicals – Pressure handle timber contain toxic chemicals like arsenic . Never apply sawdust from treated wood in the garden .
Very slow to break down – calculate on the Sir Henry Joseph Wood character , sawdust can take 1 - 3 years to amply rot . food release is very deadening compare to compost .
How to Use Sawdust in the Tomato Garden
If you desire to use sawdust when growing tomato plant , here are some peak :
Get sawdust from untreated , non - toxic wood – Hardwoods like oak and maple are best . Avoid evergreen wood which breaks down slowly . Never utilize sawdust from treated lumber .
Use in moderateness – No more than 1 - 2 column inch of sawdust per square understructure . Too much will link up up nitrogen . mix in with compost or manure .
Add extra atomic number 7 – affix with a N fertiliser or compost to prevent nutrient lack . Chicken manure is an excellent union .
older is right – Let sawdust sit around in a pile for 6 - 12 months before using . Aged sawdust has lower carbon content and is safe for plants .
Do n’t put in planting holes – Only use sawdust as a open mulch , not mixed into the main tomato plant root zone .
supervise plant – learn for sign of nitrogen deficiency like icteric leaves or weak development . Add nitrogen as needed .
The Bottom Line
Is Sawdust A Good Mulch In Your Garden 2025-04-09
FAQ
What is the best matter to put around love apple plant ?
Is fresh sawdust good for the garden ?
Which plant like sawdust ?
What is the best mulch to put around tomatoes ?
Can you get tomato with sawdust ?
You ’ll often see some achiever growing tomatoes and potatoes in a part sawdust intermixture . Sawdust does have the power to fight weeds , although it should be used sparingly . Due to its grain , being able-bodied to compress under groundwork , sawdust make for an excellent natural garden itinerary .
Is sawdust good for your garden ?
So , sawdust can be dear for your garden , if you ’re growing vegetables or looking to improve your garden mulch , sure type of sawdust are good for your garden . Sawdust is not good for your grass , or for grow normal plant , the nitrogen needed for the sawdust to fall apart down all but create it an inconceivable stuff to expend .
Can you use sawdust for vegetables ?
You ’ll want to add calcium nitrate every duo of weeks to prevent a disease called blossom end rot , but other than that , you ’re good to go . Not ALL sawdust can be used for your vegetable . Never use sawdust from dark walnut tree , which is a commonly used material in woodwork . Black Walnut contains juglone , which can be fateful for vegetables
What is sawdust used for ?
However , sawdust does have several other usance . Sawdust gain for a fantastical summation to mulch , or compost , just be certain to lend extra N . You ’ll often see some success growing tomatoes and potatoes in a part sawdust mixture . Sawdust does have the power to crusade weed , although it should be used sparingly .
Is pine straw a good grunge covering for tomato plant plants ?
Pine straw wo n’t add many nutrients to your grime but it is still a good grease cover for tomato plant life . For more info , check out my scout to the pros and cons of pine straw mulch . moldable mulch can be a dependable option in dusty climates . calamitous plastic mulch absorbs heat from the sunlight , which helps keep the soil warmer .
Does sawdust moulder ?
Sawdust needs copious amounts of nitrogen to decompose , which in turn draws nitrogen out of soil and away from your Mary Jane or plant roots . What is Sawdust Good For ? Garden Mulch