Grass clipping?

Question

Is dried grass clippings good for the garden, such as the strawberry patch and around roses.

Answer 1

Dried lawn clippings will;

1) Feed beneficial soil organisms,
2) Recycle plant nutrients
3) Contribute organic matter to the soil
4) Reduce the amount of water lost from evaporation
5) Reduce soil compaction and reduce the incidence of erosion
6) Reduces the incidence of disease by protecting above-ground plant parts from splashes that carry soil-borne inoculum
7) Reduces fruit rot (strawberries) by eliminating contact between fruit and soil
8) Reduces winter injury by minimizing temperature variation
9) Helps control weeds
10) Helps maintain cooler soil temperatures during the summer

Grass clippings contain about 4 percent nitrogen (N), 0.5 percent phosphorus (P), 2 percent potassium (K), plus small amounts of other plant nutrients.

It's recommended that you place grass mulch around plants in layers of about 1 inch and allow it to dry before you add more clippings. Thicker applications of clippings can become slimy and matted, impeding air and water movement into the soil. (anaerobic conditions where smell becomes an issue).

As stated by "The Shadow Knows", if you've used weedkillers on your lawn, you shouldn't use the clippings around your strawberries and roses. Nor should you use the clippings if your lawn has seedheads since the seeds will eventually germinate and become weeds.

Fresh grass clippings are high in water and nitrogen and will readily ferment. The heat and ammonia that is released from fermentation can damage plants.

Hope this information was of some help. GOOD LUCK!

(Certified professional crop advisor with a Bachelors in Plant Science)

Answer 2

Grass clippings are an excellent source of nitrogen around trees but don't think they are good on the garden for many reasons already shared.

Answer 3

Well thats debatable some say yes keeps soil warm around plants.
However the down side is it also can cause some fungus,mold and mildew. So then you then may want to add some lye, and some Lime to help decompose a break down better.
Then also check with your local Certified nuseryperson.
Then the Nursery should have some Free handouts to further assist in this matter also. Good luck.

Answer 4

no grass clippings get wet and rot . smell. use a mulch .and check at the lawn and garden for which is best for strawberries and roses. roses are delicate plants and need special care.

Answer 5

No. The only use for grass clippings is making compost but even then you mustn't use too much. All you'll do is suffocate the roots of the plants and possibly cause mould and rotting to your healthy plants. Mulch is much better for that kind of thing.

Answer 6

Pea straw is the best mulch for strawberries and is cheap to buy.Grass clippings are full of weed and grass seed so dont use it.

Answer 7

I'm not to sure of that myself
leaf litter wont get hot like grass clippings
i use it but not close to the plants

Answer 8

Depends. Do you use a weed killer on your grass, if so don't put the clippings in your garden or compost them. The herbicides will affect your garden crops.

Answer 9

I use them for many years with no problems..I put them about 4 inches deep and just don't put them right up on the roses graft. I also mix coffee grounds!!

Answer 10

Yes, It is called mulch.