Slate mulch - making my own?

Penelope_Penguin

I'm having a new roof put onto a small part of my house, and the builder is using slate. I see that shards of this are being sold for mulch, at quite a high price. I have a lot of pieces of slate left, and rather than landfill it, I wondered if I could make my own mulch - thought it would tie in nicely with the house.

Has anyone broken up slate into small pieces? Any tips? Obviously, I'll be wearing goggles.

Many thanks, Penny. x

angie_loves_veg

goggles.....

I would wrap a single tile in an old towel, start gently with a hammer/mallet - After the first couple I imagine you will get the hang of how to get them 'just the right size' without reducing them to dust... maybe you willl be able to do several at once?

let us know how you get on

Debt_Free_Chick

Agree that it will readily break up - you only need to put a tile on an uneven surface and walk on it and it will crack/shatter, so it won't be difficult. Or drop some slates from a great height (only kidding - but just to demonstrate how easily they break).

Some basic safety precautions as Angie suggests would be sensible.

torbrex

A jute or cotton coal sack would be ideal, check round your area to see if anyone has had any bulk items delivered in one of those no deposit but re-usable bags.

Jayar

Nothing more to add in way of good suggestions, just wanted to say what a great idea Penelope.