I was cutting my grass at the weekend. It had become quite overgrown as?

Question

my gardener hasnt been well. As I was clearing up I discovered a pile of jelly-like balls, about the size of frog-spawn (or that really large tapioca) in the middle of the lawn. There was about 2 large cupfulls and they were clear, dark-green colour. Any idea what on earth it could be? I live in Northern Ireland. Thought perhaps slugs but I read they lay up to 35 eggs underground at a time. There were hundreds of these jelly balls and they were on top of the grass !

Answer 1

I would go with Aliens, careful they may hatch and eat you

Answer 2

It's probably algae but I prefer aliens. Frogs are funny things - I found a whole heap of spawn in an ornamental pot in March after some bitter cold days. We tipped it into our small pond, and underneath the spawn - keeping warm I suppose - was the frog. The spawn all hatched, the frog hopped off somewhere - have you transferred it to anything? To get a closer look or watch for events? I've seen a jelly-like growth before on tubs of plants - usually when it's been wet and cold for some time - which it hasn't, but it has been wet. You could blame the gardener for not keeping the lawn aerated, perhaps, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to do that, especially if he's not well.

Answer 3

.Sounds like frogs I get them in my garden also, But usually frogs will lay their eggs in shade and in the damp corners. never seen them on the middle of the lawn, perhaps the poor frog was caught short. Spend some time looking under the plants like rhubarb etc till you find the culprit. As you will probably know frogs are good in the garden, as they will eat a lot of slugs,I would say just leave them alone the will not do any harm.

Answer 4

was there a pond there once? Frogs come back and lay their eggs in the same place year after year, regardless of whether a pond has been filled as they will just spawn on the grass. It does seem a bit cold for them to be doing it now though.

Answer 5

I agree with mtrtraver.
Sounds like algae to me, probably caused by damp and neglect. There may be some roots rotting just under the grass at this point causing a fungal growth. I seem a good idea not to worry but just to watch the area in case they return.

Of course, alien eggs are a lot more interesting!!!

Answer 6

I don't know but can't wait for someone to give you the answer. If ever there was a good reason for letting your lawns get out of control, large jelly like eggs is it.

Answer 7

Its algae.

We used to get it on our grass in rainy weather...and as soon as the fine weather came back it was gone.....very interesting stuff I think....if now you have cut the grass it still keeps appearing then you may have a waterlogged area...try borrowing the gardeners fork and push the prongs deep into the ground and surrounding area to try to help with drainage...basically prick it all over but deeply.....Thats if you have a need to get out in the garden..otherwise leave it and have a chat with your gardener when they are better.

Answer 8

It could be a type of algae if the grass has been damp and unmown for awhile it could provide a good environment for algae to grow.

Answer 9

frog spawn? Otherwise no idea! Where are you? In Australia I supopse they could be snake or lizard eggs

Answer 10

Oh dear, has the Easter Bunny gone loopy again?

Answer 11

Newts

I'd keep quiet if i were you. If they turn out to be great-crested newts someone from the council will slap an order on your road stopping any of you from breathing in the future.