Grass clippings can be used for numerous things in your garden. Many of these offer benefits to your plants, home grown vegetables, and even your grass itself. Grass clippings make excellent mulch if utilised correctly, and your backyard livestock can get lots of nutrition from eating them.
Because grass clippings contain 3% to 4% nitrogen, 0.5% phosphorus, and 2.5% to 3.5% potassium by weight, they can make up for your garden’s nutrition needs. This cuts your composting bill in half! With so many uses, you’ll never throw your grass clippings away again!
In this article, Mowrator Australia will give you eight different uses for your grass clippings. We’ll also show you how to plan long term benefits for your garden using nothing but grass clippings from mowing your lawn.
Key Takeaways:
- Grass clippings decompose within a matter of weeks, making them perfect for the compost heap.
- Chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, and rabbits love eating grass clippings.
- Grass clippings are best used for mulch, benefitting veggie gardens and flower beds.
- You should avoid using grass clippings for plants that are sensitive to too much nitrogen.
8 Ways to Use Grass Clippings in Your Garden
8 ways to use grass clippings in your garden include:
- Using them as mulch
- Adding them to your compost heap
- Feeding them to your animals
- Leaving them on your lawn
- Working them into your garden as a green manure
- Making grass tea
- Placing them between your walkway stepping stones
- Placing them in bare gaps to prevent weeds
| Use | What It Looks Like | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch | Spread a thin layer around plants | Retains moisture Suppresses weeds Improves soil |
| Compost | Mix with leaves or straw | Adds nitrogen Speeds decomposition |
| Animal Feed | Give fresh clippings to goats or chickens | Natural food source Lowers feed costs |
| Leave on Lawn | Mow without bagging | Returns nutrients Reduces fertiliser need |
| Green Manure | Dig clippings into the soil | Improves soil structure Adds nutrients |
| Grass Tea | Soak in water then strain | Makes a nutrient-rich fertiliser |
| Walkway Filler | Place between stones or pavers | Suppresses weeds Enhances pathways |
| Weed Barrier | Spread over bare garden spots | Blocks sunlight Prevents weeds |
How long do Grass Clippings Take to Decompose?
Grass clippings from mowing your lawn take a maximum of 3 weeks to decompose. The nutrients like nitrogen and potassium in the clippings break down quickly, benefitting the soil. This makes them an excellent alternative to compost for your lawn, your garden beds, and even your house plants.
What is the Best Way to Dry Grass Clippings for Mulch?
The best way to use dry grass clippings for mulch is to spread them evenly across your soil, but to leave a small space for stems. It’s also useful to use grass clippings with other forms of mulch, as this increases the amount of mulch you have and balances out the nutrients for the soil.
Do Grass Clippings Attract Pests?
No, grass clippings don’t typically attract pests. However, if enough moisture and heat is retained because of the clippings being used as mulch, pests may appear. Usually, natural predators like spiders and lizards will balance this out by also being attracted to warm and wet areas.
Where Should You NOT Use Grass Clippings?
You should not use grass clippings in your garden if:
- Plants have a sensitivity to high levels of nitrogen.
- They are wet and clumpy.
- They are freshly cut and put into a veggie garden (too much ammonia can kill your earthworms)
- High moisture areas.
- Near the stems of young plants.
FAQs on What to do with Your Grass Clippings?
Can grass clippings be used in lasagna gardening?
Yes, grass clippings can be used in lasagna gardening if they are spread out very thinly. Grass clippings add much welcome nitrogen to your soil, as well as phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients will be released into the soil and taken up by your plants. .
Can I use grass clippings in a worm bin?
Yes, you can put grass clippings in a worm bin. However, it’s best to dry them first. Fresh grass clippings release a fair amount of ammonia, which can kill your worms if there is too much of it. Spread your clippings on the ground for a few days so they can dry before you add them to a worm bin.
Can I use grass clippings to grow mushrooms?
Yes, grass clippings can be used to grow mushrooms, but not on their own. Add straw or wood chips with the grass clippings to create a balanced substrate for your mushrooms. You should also avoid using grass clippings for growing mushrooms if your lawn has been treated with chemicals.
Are there any plants that don't benefit from grass clipping mulch?
Yes, in Australia there are plenty of plants that don’t benefit from grass clippings. These include:
- Acid-loving plants like azaleas and camellias.
- Veggies with sensitive roots like onions, turnips, and carrots.
- Native Australian plants that are sensitive to high levels of nitrogen
- Very young plants
- Most vegetable seedlings
