Buckwheat Hull Information
What are buckwheat hulls? Buckwheat is not a grain as some people believe, but rather a seed that can be harvested and eaten (odds are you’ve heard of buckwheat flour). When buckwheat is milled, the hard outside of the seed, or the hull, is separated and left behind. These hard, dark brown, lightweight casings are sold separately, sometimes as pillow or craft stuffing, but often as garden mulch. If you haven’t heard of buckwheat hulls before, they might not be readily available in your area. They tend to be sold only near facilities that mill buckwheat. (There’s one in Upstate New York that I know, from personal experience, sells as far afield as Rhode Island).
Should I Mulch with Buckwheat Hulls?
Mulching with buckwheat hulls is very effective. An inch thick (2.5 cm.) layer will work wonders to suppress weeds and keep soil moist, while allowing for good soil ventilation. The hulls are very small and lightweight, and they sometimes run the risk of blowing away in the wind. This isn’t much of a problem as long as the hulls are moistened every now and again when the garden is watered. The only real problem is the cost, as buckwheat hulls are considerably more expensive than some other mulch options. If you’re willing to pay a little bit more, however, buckwheat hull mulch makes for a very attractive, textured, even cover for both vegetable and flower beds.
