Using Wood Chips in the Vegetable Garden

Can I put wood chips mulch around tomato and pepper plants in a garden to keep the weeds down and the moisture in the soil?  

I do not like using woodchips around annual vegetables or peppers.  Wood mulches break down slowly and temporarily tie up the nitrogen in the soil.  I prefer to use shredded leaves, evergreen needles or herbicide free grass clippings around my annuals.  These mulches break down quickly and can be turned into the soil at the end of the season.  Save the woodchips for trees, shrubs and pathways.  If you decide to use wood mulches in the annual gardens watch for yellow leaves and stunted growth.  These are signs of nitrogen deficiency.  Add a small amount of a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer to help compensate for the temporary nutrient shortage.

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