Can I Use Grass Clippings on Fresh Plantings?

Use grass clippings as organic fertilizer or mulch.

Grass clippings contain nitrogen and other nutrients. As they decompose, clippings release nutrients as an organic fertilizer. Grass clippings can be used as organic mulch. Apply the clippings on fresh plantings such as flower and vegetable beds.

Features

Use grass clippings as a mulch to enrich soil, reduce weeds and conserve moisture. This mulch diffuses rain damage and insulates plant roots against weather extremes. Because grass clipping decompose quickly, they are suited to seasonal vegetable crops or annual flower beds.

Application

Apply grass clippings in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding another layer. Or allow the clippings to dry after mowing. Applying a mower bag of grass clippings directly to plants is not recommended because thick green clippings are likely to rot. Rotting grass smells bad and does not provide aeration.

Considerations

Do not apply herbicide-treated grass clippings on flowers or vegetables. Residual herbicide may harm vegetables or flowers. Avoid using grass clippings contaminated with weed seeds, as the weeds will quickly sprout in the garden.

References

• Iowa State University Extension; Organic Mulches; 2005
• Colorado State University Extension; Eliminate Grass Clipping Collection; C.R. Wilson and T. Koski; 2004
• Colorado State University Extension: Mulching with Wood/Bark Chips, Grass Clippings, and Rock