grasscycling

Grasscycling...

Raise your hand if you've heard the word before. Raise your other hand if you use grasscycling practices in your garden? Good, now put them together and give yourself a round of applause!!!

The rest of you, read on...

What is it?

In short, it's a really simple way to recycle your grass cuttings. All you have to do is mow the lawn.

We're pretty sure there's not many people out there that will say mowing the lawn is their favourite job. Waiting for the brief moment of sunshine where the grass is dry enough to cut the grass in the first place. Then mustering the energy to mow the lawn when all you really want to do is make the most of the sun with an ice cream and ice cold drink. So then when you've committed to trundling out the mower, you build up a sweat pushing it around the lawn. Just as you think you're about to celebrate the fact you've braved it, you turn around and realise you have to dig the rake out of the shed and bag up the cuttings. 

Well with grasscycling, you can stop at the self-celebration part. Leave the cuttings where they fall and let nature do the rest... Yes please!

How does it work?

Tip 1: Cut when it's dry. Dry grass will cut cleanly, leaving a more even finish. Dry cuttings will also spread easier rather than sticking in patchy clumps around your garden.

Tip 2: Cut regularly. Mow when the grass is about 3 to 4 inches in height, and cut by about a third. This will help the roots to stay healthy. Longer, deeper roots won't need watering as frequently and will cope better during high temperatures. 

Tip 3: Use a sharp blade. Sharp blades will cut the grass efficiently and encourage healthy regrowth. Dull blades will bruise and damage what is left behind, leaving it susceptible to disease and accelerated weed growth.

Tip 4: Leave the cuttings where they landed. It might look like it needs raking, but if you've followed the previous tips, the cuttings will quickly fall between the blades of grass and out of sight. These will decompose, enriching the soil with vital nutrients, therefore being absorbed by the roots making the remaining lawn nice and healthy. 
​

https://www.flickr.com

Beautiful!

So by only doing half a job you have:

• Saved time
• Reduced waste
• Made your lawn healthier

Lovely. What more could you want?

References:
Earth Easy
​Richmond