How to use walnut shells. Can use in garden for mulch?

You've had some great answers already posted here but I wanted to add my 2 cents worth;



I'm not sure if you're talking about the shells from the Black Walnut or English Walnut.... and there is a difference in the amounts of toxicity produced by each. Walnut trees produce a chemical called; "JUGLONE", which is found highest in the Black Walnut varieties. JUGLONE is described as a allelopathic(affects the growth of other plants) substance. The affected plants will show signs of stunting, wilting and death.



Since you're dealing with ONLY the shells rather than growing plants near/under the walnut tree itself, you're probably safe.



I've seen walnut shells (from English Walnuts) being used as a mulch in landscape situations at a depth of 1 to 2 inches without any detrimental symptoms being exhibited by surrounding plants. However, I'd recommend you visit some of the following websites to determine if the type of walnut shells you're considering will be safe to use in your landscape.



GOOD LUCK!





"Black Walnut Toxicity", Green Tips, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/iac/greenti...



"Landscape: Juglone Tolerant Plants", University of Wisconsin Urban Horticulture, http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/landscape...



"Walnut Toxicity", Todd Leuty, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crop...

How to use walnut shells. Can use in garden for mulch?
My father always said that the black walnut had a natural substance that would kill plants in the garden, if the tree were too close. I don't know, though, if that applies to all types of walnuts, all parts of the tree and in particularly, your walnut shells used as garden mulch. I don't believe I would, at least, not until I researched the toxicity of the tree and its nuts.
Reply:Definitely not!! They put out a chemical that will kill most other plants.
Reply:walnut shells are like little pieces of glass, and they never rot. personally id have a fit if someone dumped them in my garden
Reply:Sure can. I live in So. Texas, and we use pecan shells.