Can you use grass clippings to fertilize a garden

Long clippings may contain wiry stem material that is slower to decompose, but are still not significant contributors to thatch buildup. While leaving clippings on the lawn is recommended, there are some exceptions to the rule:. In general, putting mulch around flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

Grass clippings are a good mulch option with a few conditions:. Composting involves mixing grass clippings and other plant materials with a small amount of soil containing microorganisms that decompose organic matter. Grass clippings are excellent additions to a compost pile because of their high nitrogen content.

Grass clippings should not be the only compost material. As with mulches, a thick layer of grass clippings in a compost pile will lead to bad odors from anaerobic decomposition. Mix them with dry materials such as leaves or straw. So, cut grass is essentially an organic fertilizer waiting to be used.

The best ways to use grass clippings are:. Each of these methods encourages grass clippings to break down quickly and release those natural nutrients so they can be used to fuel future plant growth. These methods also work faster and are usually less labor-intensive than mixing grass clippings into the soil. Grass clippings left on your lawn start to break down almost immediately. In 1 week, most grass clippings will no longer be visible.

By week 2 or 3, the grass clippings may have broken down entirely. This provides an almost instant boost to your lawn by returning nutrients to the soil. Although grass clippings on your lawn may seem unsightly, this problem can easily be remedied. Simply rake any areas of your lawn where grass clippings are visible. This helps to spread the grass clippings and work them down to the soil surface. Grass clippings make excellent mulch. Simply lay a 3—4 inch 7. In order to ensure the grass clippings will decompose properly, allow them to dry on your lawn for 1—2 days before raking them up to use as mulch.

The grass must be dry, and the mowing should remove about one-third of the length of the grass. I keep my mower blade set high, at 4 inches 10 cm , to keep from damaging the plants' crowns and to help the turf serve as habitat for ground-dwelling spiders, beetles, and other creatures.

In spring and early summer, when rain falls regularly, I can harvest clippings from each plot every 7 to 10 days. The main rule for using grass clippings as mulch is to apply them in thin layers. This happens naturally if you spread mulch as the final step after weeding.

When using freshly-cut clippings or batches that have been allowed to dry in the sun, I sprinkle on just enough to barely cover the surface. I may add a little more a few days later, but will wait a couple of weeks, or until the next weeding, to apply another layer. I have yet to find a garden crop that is not completely happy when mulched with three thin layers of grass clippings, spread two weeks apart. This practice of applying three thin layers of grass clippings also appears to favour frogs and box turtles over slugs in my garden.

To learn more about the author of this post, click on their byline link at the top of the page. I assume you have to be careful not to use clippings from a treated lawn? How long to convert a treated lawn to one you can use the clippings organically? Join us for a much anticipated return to the Lone Star State! Earlybird ticket discounts are now available online.

You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. Tags: grass , fertilizer , compost , garden planning , containder gardening , mulch , Emma Raven , Utah ,.

Continue Reading. Use As a Mulch for Grass This might sound crazy but in England it is fairly common for people to cut the grass and the clippings are spread as you cut rather than being bagged up. Share your thoughts. Building Rabbit Housing E-Handbook.