Using grass clippings as mulch

[Aussie Dogs Mom]

[align=left]I know all the arguments against using crass clippings....importing grass seeds into your beds, too "hot" as it decomposes, makes a dense layer that doesn't let air and water pass through, etc.* BUT, I just can't use it all for compost, and I can't stand sending it to a landfill, either.** Anyway, I did it.* I've been using it for about a month now, and although not the most attractive mulch, it's doing the job.* I have about 1400 square feet of beds, so it'll be a good test.* About once a week I use a shrub rake to stir it up and break up the layers...very easy and quick.* It's decomposing well and the worms love it!* We'll see.[/align]

[thanrose]

I'm a cracker gardener, so I use the mulching feature on my mower and it's always been fine for me to use grass clippings in a light layer as mulch. Sure, there's the potential of spreading unwanted grass seed, but it's not so much of a problem if you mow regularly. If you have St Augustine, it has to grow pretty rampant before it seeds. I think maybe eight inches or more. Bahia has to be much taller.

I think you are safe with* the way you are doing it. Not too much and breaking it up now and then. If it gets to a funky clump that's yellow and musty smelling, that's not good.

Everything that grows in my yard pretty much stays in my yard. Either compost or mulch or fencerows.

[Newt]

Aussie Dogs Mom, I've known people that spread the grass clippings out to dry so they don't clump up.* I always recommend a mulching blade on the lawnmower. Glad it's going well for you.

Newt

[biosphere]

I am one of those gardners who dry grass clippings - I spread it out on concrete driveway in the summer or winter - the concrete dries it in a few hours.* Drying makes it easier to sift and mix, and having it flat on the pavement gives a chance to spot weeds and seeds.* It is an extra step, but seems to compost faster.* Sweep it into a leaf trash bag to move it around - will also keep in the bag for a day or two.* (For when you get everything ready to mulch and it starts to rain....)

[Jo Green]

[align=left]I agree with everyone else here that it really helps to dry the grass clipping before using them as mulch to prevent clumping.* I think you made a great choice by not sending the clippings to the landfill due to the fact that organic matter and the nutrients derived from it are being lost to the landfill.* An environmentally sound option is the direct return of fresh clippings to the lawn. There is an actual technique to this which is known as grasscycling or grass composting.* It is not only used to retain natural nutrients in your lawn but also your garden beds when used as a compost.[/align]