Preparing garden spot for 2025 - Ask Extension
We had a forestry mulcher clean up some trees and brush. If i covered this mulched material with grass clipping, added some N, and kept it moist would...
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Preparing garden spot for 2025 #870324
Asked May 27, 2024, 6:39 PM EDT
We had a forestry mulcher clean up some trees and brush. If i covered this mulched material with grass clipping, added some N, and kept it moist would it break down enough for us to plant a garden in this area in 2025? The mulch is about 4" thick.
Van Buren County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Covering the mulched material with grass clippings, adding nitrogen (N), and keeping it moist can help it break down into a suitable medium for planting a garden by 2025. The process you’re describing is essentially a form of composting, where the grass clippings will add nitrogen to the mix, which is a crucial element for decomposition.
Here are some tips to ensure successful composting:
Balance: Grass clippings are high in nitrogen, which is great for composting, but balance is key. They should make up 50% of your compost to avoid issues like sogginess or unpleasant odors.
Layering: Apply a layer of grass clippings over the mulched material. This will add nitrogen and help speed up the microbial process.
Moisture: Keep the pile moist but wet to facilitate the breakdown process.
Aeration: Turn the pile occasionally to introduce oxygen necessary for aerobic decomposition.
Size: The mulch should be in smaller pieces to decompose faster. Since it’s already mulched, this should be taken care of.
Thickness: A 4-inch layer of mulch is quite thick, so ensure it’s not compacted to allow air to circulate.
Following these guidelines, the mulched material and grass clippings should decompose over time, creating a rich, organic substrate for your garden. It’s a good idea to check the progress periodically and adjust as needed. If you start now and maintain the pile, you should have fertile ground ready for planting in 2025.
Good Reference at this link:
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6958
I hope this helps!
Covering the mulched material with grass clippings, adding nitrogen (N), and keeping it moist can help it break down into a suitable medium for planting a garden by 2025. The process you’re describing is essentially a form of composting, where the grass clippings will add nitrogen to the mix, which is a crucial element for decomposition.
Here are some tips to ensure successful composting:
Balance: Grass clippings are high in nitrogen, which is great for composting, but balance is key. They should make up 50% of your compost to avoid issues like sogginess or unpleasant odors.
Layering: Apply a layer of grass clippings over the mulched material. This will add nitrogen and help speed up the microbial process.
Moisture: Keep the pile moist but wet to facilitate the breakdown process.
Aeration: Turn the pile occasionally to introduce oxygen necessary for aerobic decomposition.
Size: The mulch should be in smaller pieces to decompose faster. Since it’s already mulched, this should be taken care of.
Thickness: A 4-inch layer of mulch is quite thick, so ensure it’s not compacted to allow air to circulate.
Following these guidelines, the mulched material and grass clippings should decompose over time, creating a rich, organic substrate for your garden. It’s a good idea to check the progress periodically and adjust as needed. If you start now and maintain the pile, you should have fertile ground ready for planting in 2025.
Good Reference at this link:
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6958
I hope this helps!
Thank You.
You are welcome! Have a great day!
Thank You.
You are welcome! Have a great day!
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