Oak sawdust: rules for use in gardening, pros and cons

Experienced gardeners successfully use waste from the woodworking industry in their summer cottages. They are used as a fertilizer for crops, for laying a mulch layer. Before proceeding with the use of oak sawdust, it is necessary to find out what they are intended for, their positive and negative properties, so as not to harm cultivated plants. There are several ways to use this organic material.

What oak sawdust is used for

Sawdust obtained from the production of oak products is used among gardeners in different ways. In some cases, it is necessary to allow time for them to overripe before use.

Scope of application of oak sawdust:

as a mulching layer for cultivated plants;
for ennobling paths in the garden;
as a substrate for seed germination before planting;
as a heater for fruit boxes during winter storage on a loggia or in a cellar;
for growing mushrooms at home.

For each method of using organic material, there are rules for its preparation. Otherwise, instead of benefiting, the plants will be harmed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Oak waste, like any organic material, has its advantages and disadvantages. First of all, you need to decide on the purpose of using sawdust and study the instructions.

The beneficial effect of oak waste as a mulching layer is as follows:

The material prevents the evaporation of moisture from the ground, which is especially useful in regions with hot summers. Thus, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of irrigation.
If you cover the root space of cultivated plants with a layer of organic material, weed grass seeds will not have enough sunlight to germinate. In this case, the gardener saves energy on constant weeding and loosening the soil.
The smell of oak sawdust can repel some pests that spoil cultivated plants.
If you use sawdust as a material for germinating seeds, then the sprouts are subsequently removed from the substrate without problems, as it is loose and does not harm delicate plants.

However, wood waste also has negative qualities that must be considered before use:

Sawdust can draw nitrogen out of the soil, so they cannot be applied fresh to the soil.
Getting into the soil, organic material acidifies not only it, but also groundwater, which negatively affects plant he alth.

How to use oak sawdust in gardening

Before you start using sawdust, you need to figure out how to do it right.

As a mulch

Oak mulch is inexpensive and easy to use. A layer around vegetable crops is laid in the spring, its thickness should be at least 4 cm. Perennial plants are covered with mulch in the fall, it will help them survive frosts, as it will warm the root system.

The method of application depends on what kind of sawdust is available - fresh or semi-ripened:

In the first case, the material is pre-impregnated using a strong urea solution. For a 10-liter bucket of water, take 250 grams of urea.
Semi-rotted sawdust is laid out in a layer around the plants without pre-treatment.

Sprouting seeds

For successful germination, seeds need a loose substance, heat and moisture. All these requirements are perfectly provided by oak sawdust.

There are two ways to use seed germination material:

First, sawdust is washed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or scalded with boiling water to destroy all harmful microorganisms. After that, the material is poured into a container with holes and allowed to stand for a day. Then they are thoroughly mixed and, mixed in half with river sand, the seeds are sown.
The second method is used when the seeds are supposed to be sown indoors. They dig a trench, the depth of which is about 10 cm. A layer of fresh sawdust is laid out on its bottom, which are poured with nitrogen fertilizer from above, after which a little ash is poured out.Next comes a layer of fertile soil of 8 cm, and upstairs - rotted and disinfected sawdust. Seed material is sown on them.

As a heater when storing vegetables

Oak sawdust is also used to create a thermal box in which vegetables will be stored in the winter. To do this, pick up a tall box or wooden box, and dry sawdust is poured into it. After that, the vegetables are laid out and the top is again crushed with organic material. Such a thermal box can be placed on loggias where there is no heating, or in a cold basement. Sawdust absorbs moisture and extends the shelf life of fruits.

For home growing mushrooms

Mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms are successfully grown at home using ordinary sawdust. Straw or husks left over from sunflower seeds are added to them. The proportions are 3:1. Previously, the entire future substrate is disinfected by soaking in hot water for 6-7 hours.It is necessary to ensure that throughout the entire time the temperature of the liquid does not fall below 60 degrees.

The cooled sawdust with straw is squeezed out of the water and they start planting mushrooms. To do this, take a plastic bag and lay the substrate and mycelium in layers in it. For air access, several holes are made in the bag. With proper care, the first mushrooms can be eaten after 40 days.

In the greenhouse and in the beds

In the greenhouse, oak waste is used not only as mulch, but also for planting seeds. In addition, if the path between the beds is covered with organic material, weeds will not be able to germinate.

Use production waste and to create warm beds. In this case, the cultures ripen faster and are less affected by fungal diseases.

Possible problems

In order for the use of production waste to bring only benefits, it is necessary to follow the rules. Do not use fresh material for mulch without mixing it with other components. When growing seeds, be sure to disinfect the substrate.