Old Phone Books in the Garden??

Discussion in 'Gardening Other' started by Pandookie, Feb 11, 2016.

  1. Pandookie

    Pandookie New Seed

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    I've often read that using ink printed paper was not good for the garden but when I search websites for "good ways to use old phone books", gardening websites recommend using them as a weed barrier & composting. Hmm, not sure what to think. Has anyone composted with phone books or other useful ways?
     
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  3. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    In the old days inks contained all sorts of non-earth and human friendly ingredients but today's phone books are compostable since they now use soy based inks, glues and dyes.
    Tearing them apart and putting them in the compost will help them decompose quicker and you can safely use them in layers under raised beds or other garden areas.

    Mainly the printed paper to avoid are the slick ones that come in the ad section of the newspaper or in the mail.
     
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  4. Pandookie

    Pandookie New Seed

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    Oh raised beds sounds like a good use. Thanks for the ink info ;-)
     
  5. Tooty2shoes

    Tooty2shoes Hardy Maple

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    Great to know Toni. I will be using them in my garden instead of recycling them. Great ask Pandookie.
     

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