Can recycled newspaper fertilize plants

Answer 1

if composted; yes.

it's also a great weed control.

With my garden, I mulch up the newspaper [and junk mail] in lots of water; allow it to break down to the point that it's almost like plaster; then throw it on the garden [about an inch and a half thick] after I've tilled and fertilized. then I punch holes through it to plant.

it's a little ugly at first, but blends in after a while. You can also throw down mulch or wood chips to cover the paper.

Beats weeding!

then next year I till it all back in and it works great.

Actually, in the fall I till; and then again in the spring.

kills 2 birds with one stone.