Use Grass Clippings As Vegetable Garden Mulch
Edited by Graeme, Eng, Nuance
About Mulch
- 1It can serve to insulate plants from weather that is either too hot or cold. Plus, it can deter many insects, depending on the mulch you choose.Mulch, when properly used, is normally material that holds in moisture and protects growing plants from weeds and other problems.
- 2organic and inorganic. Organic mulch can consist of leaves, straw, shredded bark or paper and grass clippings.There are two types of mulch:
- 3Using mulch is a great way to help the environment while you give your plants the protection and nourishment they need.
- 4While it can also protect your plants from weather and pests, it doesn't offer any nutritional benefits such as you get from organic mulch.Inorganic mulch is made of things like rocks, gravel, plastic, and fabric.
- 5Both organic and inorganic mulches help suppress weeds, however organic mulches are best because as they break down they give much needed nutrients back to the soil.
- 6For best results, put down a layer 2-4 inches deep. Be careful not to cover plants or create difficulties for seeds needing to break through the mulch.The material mulch is made of needs to be something that won't mat down or compact easily, so it should be loose and of a fairly coarse texture.
What about Grass Clippings for Mulch?
When it comes to picking a mulch to use, grass clippings are one of the better choices because it is both cheap and beneficial for plants in the garden. Lots of people choose to use grass clipping as mulch for those reasons. Grass clippings have a lot of nitrogen as well as other nutrients like potassium and phosphorus, all of which are necessary for your plants to grow well. Another advantage of using grass clipping mulch is that you would normally have to get rid of the clippings some other way, so why not put them to good use.
Facts on Using Grass Clippings
Avoid Certain Types of Grasses
- 1Grass clippings that contain weeds, crabgrass, or seed heads should not be used as mulching material because they will grow in your garden.
- 2Don't use grass clippings that have come from areas treated with herbicides, insecticides, weed killers or fertilizers, as you could poison the vegetables growing in your garden.
Let Grass Dry Out Before Use
- 1Most people will gladly let you rake it up for free just to avoid having to do it themselves.One way people can get free grass clippings is to cut their neighbours' grass or ask them for their clippings.
- 2If you get grass clippings from another source besides your own lawn, be sure to ask if any chemicals have been used on their lawn.
- 3The benefit from them will be reduced and spreading partly decomposed clippings could stink up your garden instead of providing the benefits you are looking for.Make sure the clippings are fresh, otherwise decomposition could already have started or be well under way.
- 4Since very fresh grass decomposes much more slowly than dried grass, it could suffocate your seedlings. Plus, decomposition produces heat which could ruin your chances of getting delicious fresh produce at harvest time. In order to dry out grass clippings, leave them on the lawn after a mowing session or spread them out on a paved area and wait until they dry and turn brown before using them.Dry out your grass clippings prior to using as mulch.
- 5You could also add the grass clippings to a compost pile and use the resulting compost mixture as mulch.
Applying Grass Clippings As Mulch
- 1Apply the grass clipping mulch by putting down 2-3 inches around the stems of the plants and over any open areas. However, be sure not to put down too much grass mulch or your seeds may not be able to grow through it.Before putting down any type of mulch, you should always rake the area, pull up any weeds and get rid of snails, slugs, leaves or other things that are messing up your garden.
2
If you have leafy vegetables such as lettuce, make sure the mulch doesn't touch the leaves
. 3
As you put down your mulch, spread it around loosely and don't press it down or step on it as you go, you don't want to smother anything
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When the grass clipping mulch has totally decomposed, add either more grass clippings or some other type of mulch
. - The bottom line is that mulch is a valuable addition to any garden - vegetable or flower, and using organic forms of it like grass clippings is a cheap means of providing those nutrients. Help keep your vegetables and flowers healthy by mulching this growing season.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
