Cocoa Mulch from Taza Chocolate

I send email to Taza Chocolate asking how to buy their cocoa mulch. Laura Cere responded, saying that you can "call and order for pick up at our factory. The cost is $25.00 for 40lbs."

This a great, highly sustainable product. Cocoa mulch is made from the shells of the cacao beans. Since this is a natural byproduct of the chocolate-making process, it's sustainable. The beans are shelled locally, so you're not buying mulch that has consumed extra fuel to travel here. And the price is quite competitive. Best of all, it makes your yard or garden smell like chocolate.

Two warnings:

1. Cocoa mulch contains high levels of theobromide, which is toxic to cats and dogs. While cats generally aren't all that interested in chocolate, dogs will happily eat the mulch, which can cause serious illness and even death. So do not use cocoa mulch in spaces frequented by dogs, probably not even in a front yard without a fence.
2. Cocoa mulch is fairly alkaline. If your soil is alkaline, as, alas, mine is, you may not want to use this mulch. However, if your soil is rather acidic, for example, in a yard with lots of pine trees, this could be a very useful amendment.