Grass clippings are a common byproduct of lawn maintenance, but did you know they have several surprising uses? Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider giving those clippings a new purpose, and use them to benefit your plants, garden, and more.
Grass clippings make excellent mulch as they help retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. To use them as mulch, place a thin layer of dry lawn clippings around your plants, otherwise you’ll have to deal with the smell of fermenting grass, which wouldn’t be pleasant. Additionally, you can mix the clippings with other organic materials, such as dried leaves or wood chips, to create a well-balanced mulch that breaks down more slowly.
Grass clippings are a fantastic addition to your compost pile. Rich in nitrogen, they accelerate decomposition and provide valuable nutrients to your compost. When adding grass clippings, balance it out with some dry/brown material like shredded newspaper or dry leaves. You’ll want to maintain a green to brown ratio of 1:1. Look for more tips on composting in the Basics of Composting blog post. Avoid using grass clippings treated with herbicides or pesticides to ensure a healthy composting process. If you add grass clippings to your compost, be sure to turn it every few days to release hot spots and ensure even decomposition.
Create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer by making grass clippings tea. Simply soak a bag of clippings in a large, water-filled container for a few weeks. Cover the container with cheesecloth or a screen to keep mosquitoes away. Additionally, consider placing it in a location downwind as it will produce an unpleasant smell. The resulting liquid can be diluted and used to nourish your plants. Add a pint to your watering can before filling and water your plants as you normally would. Fertilize with your grass clipping tea every two to four weeks.
Grass clippings can serve as a supplement to the diet of certain animals. Herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs can enjoy fresh, pesticide-free clippings as a tasty treat packed with essential nutrients. Ensure that any clippings you give them are free of chemicals, weed killers, and fertilizers. If you have enough left over after feeding, clippings dried on a windowsill can be used in their cages in the place of hay and other bedding.
If you have a vermiculture system or a worm bin, grass clippings make ideal bedding material for your composting worms. If you don’t have a worm bin, you can make your own. The clippings provide insulation, moisture regulation, and a food source for the worms as they break it down. Allow grass clippings to dry out for a day or two before adding them to your worm bin to prevent excessive heat buildup or mold growth. Mix it up with equal parts of dry leaves and you will have ridiculously happy worms.
Create a “lasagna” gardening bed by layering grass clippings with other organic materials like cardboard, leaves, and kitchen scraps. This method builds nutrient-rich soil over time, making it an excellent option for starting new garden beds or revitalizing existing ones. Begin your garden by putting down corrugated cardboard and watering it so it starts decomposing. Next, layer with brown and green material in a 2:1 ratio.
Do you have houseplants or herbs but hate the hassle of watering them? Well, grass clippings may be the perfect solution because they can help retain moisture in containers. Clippings spread on top of the soil can act as a natural mulch, reduce water evaporation, and keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid applying a thick layer of clippings, as it may prevent water from reaching the roots of your plants.
“Grasscycling,” leaving grass clippings where they fall, can benefit your lawn by returning valuable nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium back to the soil. It saves time, reduces waste, eliminates the need for bagging and disposal, and reduces the need for special spraying or sprinkling of fertilizers. Leaving the grass clippings on your lawn helps your lawn retain moisture during the hottest months of the summer. Mow your yard frequently to avoid clumps, and ensure that the clippings are not too long, which could smother the grass beneath. If you’ve got a few spots where the clippings are especially thick, rake them out a bit so they decompose quicker. The Take Care of Texas Guide to Yard Care provides more information about grasscycling and other useful yard care tips.
Utilizing grass clippings in these unusual ways not only helps reduce waste but also benefits your garden, compost, and soil health. From mulching and composting to creating tea and providing food for animals, there are plenty of creative options to make the most of this readily available resource. Incorporate these tips and tricks into your gardening routine and let grass clippings unleash their hidden potential.
