The smell of a freshly mowed lawn is one of summer’s special delights, and making compost from the cuttings is a treat for those trying to live a green life. The compost can then be used to improve the soil and benefit plants.
However, making compost is not that easy as grass clippings do not turn into compost by themselves, says Berry Everitt, chief executive of the Chas Everitt International property group.
Experts suggest grass cuttings be spread out to dry in the sun for at least a day before being adding to a compost heap. Then layer them with brown material (dried leaves, coarse straw, mielie cobs, sawdust, ash, shredded newspaper and cardboard) in a ratio of about two-parts brown to one-part green.
“Add eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds and veg peelings to your green layers,” Everitt says.
“To speed up the process, keep the contents of the bin or heap damp (not wet) and turn the mix with a garden fork every couple of weeks.