Gone are the days when keeping pets was a matter of course. The question of what to do with grass clippings that we don’t feed to our dog or cat is even more debated. Aside from the public composting facilities that are part of some modern municipalities, there are not many ways to “dispose” of grass clippings. However, there are several ways to “recycle” it and use it to benefit your own garden.
For flower beds
If you’re looking to start a new flower bed? Layer a generous amount of grass clippings on top of the soil and leave it for a few weeks. After that, just rake the grass and plough the bed. The grass will prevent the spread of weeds that can damage your new plants. Mixing a little grass clippings directly into the soil is not a bad idea either.
As mulch
If you are used to mulching your tomato plants or vines with mulch bark, replace it with freshly cut or lightly dried grass. Not only will it prevent weeds from growing, but it keeps the soil moist. After a while, the grass will decompose and become a fertiliser for the soil.
Help the potatoes
In the place where you want to grow potatoes, mow the grass and place one row of potatoes on it, repeatedly covering it with the grass you just mowed. Ideally, the potatoes should have a half-metre layer on top, which can be watered as normal.
If you like hay
If you own livestock, dry grass clippings for hay. It’s just as suitable for pets such as guinea pigs or rabbits. If you do not own such animals, offer to dry hay for neighbours or farmers.
Compost or bio-dump
If you have a compost heap in your garden, pile grass into it. Mix it with soil, branches, fruit and vegetable scraps. If there is a landfill in your area, take the grass to it. If not, there is nowadays the possibility of renting a bio-waste bin, which will be balanced for you just like a regular bin. However, under no circumstances take your grass clippings anywhere you like, as this is an illegal act!