Will any harm come to annuals or vegetables if cedar shavings are used for mulch?
Using cedar around the perimeter of the house in the flower beds, will that also help to control bugs around house, similar to a cedar closet idea?
Extension
Message
From:
Sandra Mason
State Master Gardener Coordinator
Champaign/Ford/Iroquois/Vermilion Unit slmason@illinois.edu
Generally cedar mulch is helpful around plants to keep in moisture and reduce weeding. Mulch should be no more than 3-4 inches and should not be placed right next to plant stems. Cedar is slower to decompose than other mulches. It really doesn't do much to keep insects away in the same way as closets. It is really the cedar oils that vaporize that keeps insects away so they work best in closed areas such as chests. I would keep mulch about a foot away from the house to reduce nusiance pests such as sow bugs.
