Shredded paper is a valuable, readily available organic material that can be repurposed effectively in the garden. This high-carbon resource offers an excellent opportunity to divert significant volumes of paper products from landfills. When properly selected and prepared, shredded paper enhances soil health, reduces maintenance, and contributes to sustainable gardening practices.
Using Shredded Paper as Garden Mulch
Shredded paper functions well as a temporary ground cover, acting as both a weed barrier and a moisture retainer. To use it as mulch, apply a layer one to two inches thick directly onto the soil around established plants, keeping the paper away from the base of stems or trunks. A two-inch depth is sufficient to suppress emerging weeds without creating a water-repellent mat.
Immediately after application, thoroughly moisten the paper with water to prevent it from blowing away and initiate decomposition. This helps the fibers settle and form a cohesive layer. Because shredded paper can look untidy or shift easily, cover it with a thin layer of heavier mulch. A one-inch layer of straw, grass clippings, or wood chips will anchor the paper and obscure it.
This mulch layer helps regulate soil temperature, keeping the root zone cooler in summer and warmer during shoulder seasons. As the paper slowly breaks down, it contributes organic matter to the upper soil layers, improving structure. Nitrogen “robbing” is minimal when paper is used as a surface layer because the slow decomposition rate does not draw nitrogen from the underlying soil quickly.
Incorporating Shredded Paper into Compost and Soil
As a dry, carbon-rich material, shredded paper is a “brown” ingredient essential for balancing nitrogen-rich “green” materials in a compost pile. The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio for efficient composting is approximately 30:1. Since shredded newspaper has a C:N ratio of around 175:1, it must be combined with high-nitrogen materials like grass clippings or food scraps for proper decomposition.
A practical guideline for balancing the mixture is to use two to three parts of shredded paper by volume for every one part of green material. This ratio prevents the compost pile from becoming too wet and dense, which leads to anaerobic conditions and unpleasant odors. Shredding the paper is crucial because it increases the surface area, accelerating the rate at which microorganisms break down the fibers.
Shredded paper can also be mixed directly into garden beds during the off-season as a soil amendment. When incorporated into the top layer of soil, the fibers improve aeration and water retention as they decompose. Mix the paper evenly throughout the soil rather than leaving it in solid clumps, which can mat and impede water infiltration.
Specialized Uses for Seed Starting and Vermicomposting
Shredded paper has specific applications beyond general mulching and composting. For seed starting, the paper can be repurposed into a component of a homemade growing medium or used to create biodegradable pots. To create a pulp-based starter, soak the paper in water until soft, then blend it into a slurry. This slurry can be formed into small, plantable containers or mixed with soil to create a lightweight, well-draining medium.
In vermicomposting (using worms to break down organic waste), shredded paper is an excellent bedding material. It provides a carbon source and the necessary structure to create air pockets within the worm bin. The paper must be dampened to the consistency of a wrung-out sponge before being added, as worms require moisture and cannot consume dry material.
Red wigglers, the species commonly used, consume the paper along with food scraps, turning the mixture into nutrient-rich worm castings. This process provides a continuous supply of natural, high-quality fertilizer. The shredded paper absorbs excess moisture and helps maintain the aerobic conditions necessary for a healthy worm population.
Essential Safety and Paper Preparation
Not all paper is suitable for garden use, and proper selection is necessary to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the soil. Plain office paper, non-glossy newspaper printed with black ink, and brown paper bags are generally safe because their inks are typically soy- or vegetable-based. These types of paper break down readily and contribute beneficial organic matter.
Avoid using glossy magazines, colored paper, or heavily dyed inks, as these may contain heavy metals or toxic compounds that can accumulate in the soil. Thermal receipt paper should also be excluded, as it often contains bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol S (BPS). Any paper with plastic windows, excessive tape, or adhesive strips must have these non-paper components removed before shredding.
Shredding the material is a non-negotiable step, regardless of the intended use, as it increases the surface area for microbial action. Shredding also prevents the paper from forming solid, water-repellent mats. The finer the shred, the faster the paper will integrate and decompose within the garden or compost system.