Grass clippings are often seen as a waste product but can be a valuable resource in your garden and around your home. Rather than simply throwing them away, it can be used in several useful ways. Here are 15 clever and unique ways to make the most of your lawn clippings.
1. Add to Compost
Grass clippings are rich in nitrogen and break down quickly, making them an excellent addition to your compost heap. Mix them with carbon-rich materials like shredded paper, straw, or cardboard to balance the compost and prevent it from becoming too slimy.1
Benefits:
- Speeds up the composting process
- Provides essential nutrients
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2. Use as Mulch in Garden Beds
Applying grass clippings as mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and feed your plants over time. Spread a 2-3 inch layer around your plants and beds, and top up as necessary.2
Benefits:
- Retains soil moisture
- Suppresses weeds
3. Use As a Mulch for Grass
Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. They will decompose and return nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.
Benefits:
- Natural fertilizer
- Saves time and effort
4. Mulch for Planting Containers
In hot weather, containers dry out quickly. A thick layer of grass clippings in your planting containers helps retain moisture and provides a slow-release fertilizer.
Benefits:
- Retains moisture
- Provides nutrients
5. Make Into a Liquid Feed
Create a nitrogen-rich liquid feed by steeping grass clippings in water for a couple of weeks. Use this nutrient-rich tea to water your plants.
Benefits:
- Organic fertilizer
- Easy to make
6. As a Livestock Feed
If you have pets or livestock, grass clippings can be used to supplement their diet. Ensure the clippings are fresh and not treated with pesticides.
Benefits:
- Cost-effective feed
- Utilizes natural resources
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7. Layer in a Raised Bed
Use grass clippings as a nutrient-rich layer in your raised beds or hugelkultur beds. They help break down other organic materials and enrich the soil.
Benefits:
- Builds soil structure
- Adds nutrients
8. Relax and Let it Be
Simply leave the clippings on the lawn. They decompose quickly, returning nutrients to the soil and helping the lawn retain moisture.
Benefits:
- No extra work
- Improves lawn health
9. Fuel Your Compost Microbes
Grass clippings provide the necessary nitrogen to heat up your compost pile. Balance with dry materials and turn the compost regularly to avoid overheating.3
Benefits:
- Accelerates composting
- Maintains compost health
10. Grass Clipping Tea
Make a potent plant tea by soaking grass clippings in water for a few weeks. This nutrient-rich liquid can be diluted and used to fertilize plants.
Benefits:
- Concentrated fertilizer
- Easy to apply
11. Feed the Deer
If you live near wooded areas, placing grass clippings at the edge of the woods can serve as a peace offering to keep deer away from your garden.
Benefits:
- Reduces garden damage
- Utilizes waste
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12. Feed the Worms
Grass clippings make excellent worm food. Add a small amount to your worm bin to keep your composting worms healthy and productive.
Benefits:
- Nourishes worms
- Enhances vermicompost
13. Keep Your Container Garden Happy
A layer of clippings in your container garden helps retain moisture and provides a slow-release source of nutrients.
Benefits:
- Reduces watering frequency
- Fertilizes plants
14. Green Dye
Grass clippings can be used to create a natural dye. Use fresh clippings and a mordant to ensure the color lasts. This dye can produce shades of yellow, gold, and green.
Benefits:
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Creative use of waste
15. Make a Trip to the Recycling Center
If you have more clippings than you can use, contact your local recycling center. Some municipalities accept yard waste and will compost it for community use.
Benefits:
- Proper waste disposal
- Community benefit
Conclusion
Grass clippings are a versatile and valuable resource that can be used in numerous ways around your garden and home. From composting to mulching, and feeding livestock to creating natural dyes, these simple green trimmings can significantly enhance your gardening efforts and reduce waste.
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Sources
- “3 Ways to Use Grass Clippings in the Garden.” Almanac. Benedict Vanheems. February 20, 2024.
- “7 Ways to Use Grass Clippings.” Mother Earth News. Emma Raven and Misfit Gardening. May 2, 2016.
- “15 Brilliant and Unusual Ways To Use Grass Clippings.” Rural Sprout. Tracey Besemer. July 10, 2019.