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Q: What is Cocoa Shell Mulch? |
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| A: Cocoa shell mulch, also called cocoa mulch, cocoa bean mulch, cocoa bean shell mulch, or cocoa bean hull mulch is simply the shell of the cocoa bean. These shells come off the bean during the roasting process and are separated from the beans by strong air action, thus insuring a dry weed-free product as well as, a sterile product. |
The roasting process (600 degrees) sterilizes the organic mulch! |
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Q: Do Cocoa Shells add nutrients to the soil? |
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A: Yes! Because of its slow decomposition process, it adds nutrients to the soil rather than draws from the soil. Cocoa shell mulch contains 2.5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate, and 3% Potash. It has a pH factor of 5.8. No supplemental nitrogen is needed when cocoa shell mulch is applied. |
Common soil conditioner. |
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Q: Are insects attracted to the mulch? |
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A: As is true with any organic product, there are instances where insects live in the mulch. This is not a harmful thing and the mulch itself is not attracting insects! Insects that are already in the area will live in mulch as well as, the soil. This occurs in cocoa shells when the cocoa shells are too wet! Don’t over water the cocoa shells. The top cocoa shells should be drying out in between waterings. Feel the soil under the mulch to see if it is moist before watering. Cocoa Shells hold moisture into the soil which benefits the plant material. A mixture of Ivory dish wash soap and water will take care of most insect issues in the cocoa shells. 1.25 T. dish soap to 1 qt. water in a spray bottle. Spray on infested area.
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Easily treated |
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Q: Does this mulch tend to mold? |
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A: In some cases when the weather is very hot and humid, a harmless mold may appear. This also occurs with too much watering. The cocoa shell contains protein which aids in decomposition to produce humus which stimulates beneficial soil bacteria. This is a sign of the protein at work. Letting the mulch dry out or applying a mix of household white vinegar and water will take care of the mold. 75% vinegar and 25% water. Put in a spray bottle and spray on the mold only. (The reason the mold grows on cocoa shells is because of the bacteria in the rain and water, not the cocoa shells. The cocoa shells are completely sterile because of the roasting process at 600 degrees.) |
Harmless to your landscape and has a simple treatment. |
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