Most newspapers use organic inks so gardeners need not worry about lead contamination. When using newspaper sheets, place a layer of 6 to 8 sheets between plant rows in the garden. Water the sheets so they stick to one another and to the soil surface, then weigh them down with soil to prevent them from blowing away in the wind. Ground corncobs gradually darken as they age, becoming an attractive mulch. They are generally 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 is used, apply only a 1 inch layer and make sure the sawdust doesn't cake. Do not use sawdust from treated lumber in the yard and garden.