Every summer resident knows that mowing the lawn is an integral part of personal plot maintenance. During the growing season, grass grows at a tremendous rate, and regular mowing is the key to a good aesthetic appearance. But what to do with the scraps that remain after cutting? Many of us simply throw away grass clippings without realizing their potential value. Here are some practical tips to help you save money and improve the condition of your garden.
Where to put the grass after cutting it: a trick that many gardeners do not know. Grass clippings that result from every lawn mowing may seem like unnecessary material, but they are actually a valuable resource that can be put to good use. Using simple methods, you can turn this seemingly useless waste into a valuable addition to your garden. Learn how you can benefit from the proper use of grass clippings.
Use grass clippings under your plants! Why is it useful?
Grass clippings are an excellent material for mulching the garden. It is rich in nitrogen, the main plant nutrient. It helps maintain soil moisture, prevents weed growth and improves soil structure. In addition, as the cut grass decomposes, it releases nutrients that feed the plants and promote excellent growth.
Fresh or dry: how to mulch grass clippings?
But mulching your grass isn’t as easy as you think. There are a few things to be aware of before using grass clippings as they can cause more problems than they should!
Mulching with fresh grass:
Fresh grass decomposes quickly, saturating the soil with nitrogen and improving its structure. However, it is important that the layer of cut grass is not too thick – the optimal thickness is about 2-3 cm. Too thick a layer can cause rotting, unpleasant odor and even fungal plant diseases!
Mulching with cut dry grass:
Dry cut grass is less susceptible to rotting and can be laid in a thicker layer. It particularly effectively protects the soil from moisture loss and reduces the growth of weeds. Dry grass clippings can also be used to mulch garden paths to keep them clean and free of dirt.
Whether mulching with freshly cut grass or dry grass, it’s important to make sure there are no grass seeds between the grass clippings, otherwise grass will start growing where it shouldn’t.
Composting grass clippings
Another great way to use grass clippings is to add them to your compost. In order to obtain compost with an optimal composition, it is worth remembering the correct ratio of nitrogen-containing (green) and carbon-containing (brown) components.
Grass clippings are rich in nitrogen, so it’s good to mix them with dry leaves, twigs or paper, which is a source of carbon. This compost will be an excellent organic fertilizer for your plants.
Mowing the lawn is just the beginning of your gardening adventure. Grass clippings, which many of us think of as waste, can become a valuable source of nutrients for our plants. So the next time you mow your lawn, think twice before throwing away your grass clippings!
