Cocoa Shell Mulch
by John Yazo
Cocoa Shell Mulch is the broken up shells from cocoa beans. It has the sent of chocolate and has a dark brown color that darkens deeper with time from the weather. It is a by product from the roasting process of cocoa beans. The shells are separated by forced air during this process which insures them to be dry and weed free and it last longer than most organic mulches do because of it's slow rate of decomposition.
Using cocoa shell mulch as a soil amendment will improve soil structure in your garden and flower beds. It can improve both aeration and drainage in the soil while also adding nutrients to the soil. It contains 2.5 percent nitrogen, 1 percent phosphate, 3 percent potash and has a ph level off 5.8.
Cocoa shell mulch can be used around all types of plants including annuals, perennials, flowering shrubs, narrow or broad leaf evergreens, trees, vines, ground cover, roses and vegetable plants. It also makes a good mulch to top dress potted plants and container gardens.
The use of cocoa shell mulch will greatly reduce moisture from evaporating from the soil and is excellent to be used to suppress weeds. When applying the mulch it should only be put down in a layer of 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Applying to thick of a layer can cause mold to form in the mulch.If mold does appear it is harmless and can be easily eliminated by simply raking the mulch and letting it air out. When it is used as a mulch for winter protection it needs to be applied at a heavier layer, usually 4 to 10 inches thick. Mold will usually form during the winter months at this thickness and can be easily eliminated in the spring when the mulch is spread out to a thinner layer.
WARNING, there are reports that cocoa shells are lethal to cats and dogs.
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