Hardwood Sawdust

Description

Hardwood sawdust is a versatile, organic by-product of timber processing, commonly used in gardening for soil improvement, mulching, composting, and mushroom cultivation. When sourced untreated and chemical-free, hardwood sawdust is a valuable resource for regenerative and sustainable garden practices.

In the garden, sawdust serves as a slow-decomposing mulch that helps suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and reduce evaporation. As it breaks down, it contributes organic matter to the soil, improving structure and water-holding capacity over time. However, because it is carbon-rich and nitrogen-poor, it’s best balanced with a nitrogen source (such as manure or green waste) to prevent temporary nitrogen drawdown during decomposition.

Hardwood sawdust is particularly useful in composting systems, where it acts as a high-carbon “brown” input that balances out high-nitrogen “greens” like food scraps or lawn clippings. It also provides the ideal substrate for many types of gourmet and medicinal mushroom cultivation — including species like oyster, shiitake, and lion’s mane — especially when combined with bran or other supplements.

While not a fertiliser in itself, hardwood sawdust plays a key role in improving soil biology, moisture retention, and long-term fertility when used correctly. It is best used aged or composted, although fresh sawdust can be applied with care, particularly as a mulch around trees and paths.