QUESTION: I have access to lots of peanut shells from several peanut mills in my area. Are the shells a good mulch, or would they be best for compost? J.W., Childress

ANSWER: Peanut shells are lightweight and won't stay in place as well as mulch. Peanuts also are treated heavily with pesticides, so it would be best to compost the shells with other organic matter before using them in your garden.