#Grass clippings in compost free

Outer layers stay cooler than the center and cause uneven kill of disease organisms. Temperatures will vary throughout the compost. Many, but not all, plant disease organisms are killed if the compost reaches 122 degrees F. Some grass clippings can be used for compost if other green plant material isn’t available. Research shows that they return valuable nutrients back to the soil. The easiest way to handle grass clippings is to leave them on the lawn. High tannin-containing leaves (oak and cottonwood) have similar problems but can be used in small quantities if chopped well and mixed with other materials. The resins protect these materials from decomposition and extend the time needed for composting in comparison with other plant materials. Avoid highly resinous wood and leaf prunings from plants such as junipers, pine, spruce and arborvitae. Woody twigs and branches that are greater than 1/4 inch in diameter should first be put through a shredder-chipper. Plants lose between 50 and 75 percent of their volume in composting, so a lot of plant material can be processed effectively.Ĭomposting can be effective on most yard wastes such as leaves, vegetable and flower plant parts, straw, and a limited amount of woody prunings, grass clippings and weeds. Figure 1: Many materials can be composted.Ī variety of materials can be composted, but most gardeners want to recycle collected yard waste. The microbes that cause decomposition multiply just as rapidly from those that are naturally found on the plant waste. There is no advantage in adding compost starters or inoculum to the compost. The space devoted to manure could be used to compost yard wastes. Livestock manure also can be added and supplies some nitrogen. One-half cup of ammonium sulfate per bushel of material is sufficient.

#Grass clippings in compost free

If the plant materials are dry and no green material is available, add a small quantity of blood meal or a commercial nitrogen fertilizer free of weed killers. Soilless composting is often practiced.Īdd water to the compost after every few layers of material. Large amounts of soil also can suffocate microorganisms. When you add large amounts of soil, you increase the weight, which makes composting difficult and less efficient. It’s natural for some soil to cling to pulled weeds and uprooted vegetable and flower plants. While soil can serve as a source of microbes to “inoculate” plant wastes, research has found that the microorganisms that break down plants also are present on the surface of the leaves and stems. Traditional composting includes soil as one of the layers. Alternate fine materials with woody plant prunings to prevent clogging the machine and to create an equal balance of dry and green materials. Use 2-inch layers of fine materials or process them through a machine shredder. Grass mats easily and prevents water from moving through the mass during the composting process. Use caution when you add layers of fine green plant wastes such as grass clippings. Use equal parts by volume of dry and green plant materials in the overall mix. Layering helps compost reach the correct nitrogen balance. To make traditional compost, alternate different types of shredded plant materials in 6- to 8-inch layers.

Note: Compost is a soil amendment, not a fertilizer. It also increases the activity of earthworms and other natural soil organisms that are beneficial to plant growth. Compost holds moisture “like a sponge” and releases fertilizer nutrients slowly.

Composting helps sandy soil hold water and nutrients. Compost can be thought of as a separator that “shoulders apart” tightly packed clay particles to allow water and air to enter. Organic matter improves the drainage and aeration of clay soil. Composting is a way to reduce the volume of organic wastes and return them to the soil to benefit growing plants.

Compost can be used as a soil amendment and a mulch.Īll yards produce waste from pruning, lawn mowing and other routine plant care activities.

The microorganisms that break down plant wastes require favorable temperatures, moisture and oxygen.

Compost made with manure is questionable for use in food gardens due to newer strains of bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses.

Composting reduces yard waste volume by 50 to 75 percent.

Composting yard waste recycles nutrients back into the yard and saves landfill space.