Shredded newspaper or whole sheets may be used in the vegetable garden. Most newspaper publishers use organic inks so gardeners need not worry about lead contamination. When placing sheets between plant rows in the garden, weigh them down to prevent them from blowing away in the wind. Ground corncobs gradually darken as they age, becoming an attractive mulch. They are normally weed free, lightweight, and easy to handle and apply.
Corncobs decompose slowly and are most often used around trees and shrubs.
They are also an excellent mulch for raspberries. Sawdust is easy to apply, weed free, and decomposes slowly. Generally, sawdust should be allowed to age or weather for a year before being applied. If fresh sawdust if used, make sure the sawdust doesn't cake. Do not use sawdust from treated lumber in the yard and garden.