Repurposing Grass Clippings
Garden magic: get creative with the grass clippings
Think before you trash – especially when it comes to everyday ‘garden waste’. Here are some great ways to put your grass clippings to good use.
Compost Gold
Chuck the clippings into your compost bin. They’re the secret ingredient that turns gardening waste into gardening treasure. You can’t create compost using only grass clippings, though, as they have an 80% water content, which leads to odour issues and rot. If you use clippings by themselves, they will clump together and restrict airflow. The key is to mix a substantial amount of other organic materials, such as leaves, twigs, and shredded branches, in alternating layers with the lawn clippings. For the best results, try for a ratio of about 1:1 or 2:1.
Natural Fertiliser
Lawn clippings are rich in nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus, making them an effective slow-release organic fertiliser for your garden. To use, incorporate a 2 to 3-inch layer of clippings into the soil, digging them in about 6 inches deep. As the clippings decompose, they will improve the quality of the soil.
Magic Mulch
Lay clippings around your plants to keep them warm while also suppressing weeds. Using grass clippings can be very beneficial, especially as vegetable garden mulch.
Applying a layer about 1/4 inch thick around the base of your plants, can help limit evaporation, conserve water and keep the soil moist.
Livestock Food
Use surplus grass clippings to feed sheep, goats, cows, geese, chickens, and other poultry. Make sure you only use fresh, dry clippings that are free from pesticides. Likewise, if you have a pet tortoise, rabbit, or guinea pig, you can dry the clippings and make them into a delicious hay snack for them to feast on. They also make comfortable soft bedding for small pets.
Recycling Centre
If you simply have too much and can’t reuse or repurpose the clippings, then most councils have designated areas for recycling green waste. This way, you’re free from the hassle of recycling them while still using them effectively. The councils mulch most of their green waste and it’s put to good use in and around your local area.
Important
- When added to the compost, grass clippings can greatly increase the temperature, leading to rapid decomposition.
- Avoid using grass that has been treated with herbicides, pesticides, or any other chemicals.
- Do not mow your lawn excessively, and maintain proper proportions when using clippings as mulch or in compost bins.
- Always use dried grass clippings in the garden.
So, next time you mow, be clipping creative and give your clippings a second life instead of chucking them away!