READER LETTER OF THE WEEK

Dear Wendyl,

I’ve recently persuaded my husband to collect all the grass clippings in the catcher on the lawnmower so that I can put them around my plants as a mulch. The only problem is there are masses of them and he’s giving me looks like, “I told you this was a bad idea.” Any other uses you can think of so

I can clear the pile?

Angela

Dear Angela,

Good on you for using such a readily available resource in your garden. The obvious answer is adding them to your compost bin as they contain a lot of nitrogen and moisture which will give your bin a real lift. If you don’t have a compost, then maybe consider starting one now you have all those clippings? Another good idea is to make a liquid feed by throwing about a bucket’s worth into an old rubbish bin with a lid. Fill it with water, put the lid on and set aside for two weeks. It will stink, but the liquid is a great fertiliser. Dilute with water until it’s the colour of weak tea, then apply to your plants. And don’t forget that your plant pots love grass clippings as well to help retain moisture.