Is newspaper safe to compost?
Yes. Modern inks are mostly soy- or water-based and considered non-toxic. Note that newspaper needs to be shredded before adding it to your compost heap, and if you are using any quantity it needs to be offset with a layer of green compostable material: eg, grass clippings, tea leaves and plant trimmings that haven't been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides. A lidded container on the kitchen bench saves multiple trips to the compost heap; you can now buy small bins for exactly that purpose.
How do I get rid of clover in my lawn?
Garden centres stock selective herbicides that will do the job without harming your grass. But before you act, consider that clover can be beneficial in the lawn, fixing nitrogen in the soil as well as capturing dew for added moisture. And it's a hardy plant that stays green and chokes out less attractive weeds. Clover flowers attract the bees we need for pollination - though that's also a drawback if the kids like running barefoot across the lawn.
If you have a gardening question, email Glenys at glenyswoollard@clear.net.nz
