cocoa shells mulch is rotting

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mrs_colla Marin, CA(Zone 9b) Nov 19, 2007

And it looks like it snowed; a white carpet of mold. Is this normal with cocoa shells, or what have I done wrong?
I placed it over my flowerbeds like I would have done with wood chips, and the result is disgusting!
Advice?
Christie

Post #4208170
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Badseed Hillsboro, OH(Zone 6a) Nov 19, 2007

I've never used the cocoa shell mulch but did go looking.
Your question is answered on the second to last entry.

http://www.nationalcocoashell.com/faq/

Post #4208188
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jkom51 Oakland, CA(Zone 9b) Nov 19, 2007

If it weren't for the fact the feral cats around my property adore cocoa mulch and consider it the very best cat litter in the entire world, I would be using it exclusively. It breaks down to enrich the soil better than any other mulch I've used...and of course, the smell of it for the first week is yummy, LOL.

I've used it for years and never worried about the mold, which occurs here due to our consistent humidity levels. It never harms my plants, and does a wonderful job of holding moisture in thinner levels than required by bark.

The one real problem with it - it is actually poisonous to dogs, some of whom have a tendency to eat it.

Post #4210120
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mrs_colla Marin, CA(Zone 9b) Nov 19, 2007

If I would just leave it, would the mold dissapear by itself?
Christie

Post #4210337
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jkom51 Oakland, CA(Zone 9b) Nov 20, 2007

You can break it up, the mold is only on the top. Or just leave it, and the mold does disappear after a while. The mulch breaks down rather grayish in tone.

Post #4212427
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