We mowed the lawn. We put the grass clippings to good use

Many people say that a true gardener makes use of everything nature provides. There’s certainly some truth to that, since even garden waste doesn’t have to be thrown in the trash or the compost bin. A prime example of this is the grass we mow. It can undoubtedly be put to good use. We used it to make compost tea, which is an ideal fertilizer for many plants. But mowed grass can serve other purposes as well.

Making compost tea from grass isn’t difficult

That’s right. All you need to do is fill a few buckets with water and mowed grass. A 1:1 ratio is ideal. Mix both ingredients thoroughly and let them ferment. Stir them regularly as well. The liquid should not reach the rim of the containers, but should be about 20 to 35 cm below it. This is because foam forms during fermentation, which would otherwise spill out. The fertilizer should be ready in about 10 days. After it has matured, we add another 40 g of superphosphate.

Photo: Radek Stepan

How to use the fertilizer?

First of all, we should note that we did not filter the fertilizer in any way. We simply mixed it with rainwater in a 1:3 ratio. Then we applied it to the roots of the plants. About half a liter of fertilizer per plant is sufficient. When the plants started to bloom, we added a cup of wood ash.

Tip: Potatoes peels is useful. We tried tricks with them.

Grass clippings also work as mulch

If we use grass clippings as a mulch layer, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s best to let it dry out a bit first. It prevents weeds from growing and retains the necessary moisture in the soil, which is essential for the growth of various crops. It can be used for raspberries, gooseberries, or other shrubs. But it also has its place between the rows in a vegetable garden.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Grass in compost? Why not?

Grass clippings will certainly find their place in compost, but they need to be mixed with other organic waste. Simply put, both brown and green materials should be layered in the compost. By layering the materials gradually, everything decomposes much more effectively, resulting in a great fertilizer with versatile uses.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Using Grass Clippings

Which plants should grass clipping compost be used on?

It’s great for shrubs, but it’s also suitable for various types of vegetables.

Can grass clippings be used for mulch?

Yes, but let them dry out a bit first.

How do you compost grass clippings?

Ideally, in combination with various other organic waste.

Sources: Author

Photo: Radek Stepan