GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Mowing

Martin Brown[_2_] · 25-05-2018, 06:28 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

On 25/05/2018 17:38, wrote:
On 25/05/2018 13:58, Martin Brown wrote:
On 25/05/2018 10:29, wrote:
We have three areas of lawn and generate a *lot* of grass
cuttings, disposing of them is always a problem so I'm wondering
whether to start mulching rather than collecting.

How much is a lot? I don't have a problem adding them to a hot heap

About 2 acres worth, needing mowing at least once per week.

OK. I'd have expected you to have more problem with it getting hot
enough to smoulder inside then if you build the heap right. I have had
mine turn to white ash inside more than once.

provided that I put a few shrubby prunings in at the same time.
Adding about 1m^3 at a time works for me and the heap goes hot
within 2-3 days.

I haven't thought about the volume, but 1m^3 is probably what we get
from one full mow, before it settles.
I have had it smouldering before now but normally it tops out at
70C.
Is this mostly grass, with a waterproof cover?

When it goes hot it is almost all grass with whatever woody pruning
stuff I want to be rid of mixed in the middle somewhere. I don't cover
it and accept that the top surface won't compost until it gets buried.
No covers although if I have some dead ferns or rhubarb leaves I toss
them on at the start of the season the help keep the heat in.

The trick is to not compact the grass and have enough air space inside
so that it can really get going. I originally seeded mine with Garrotta
compost accelerator but have never needed to since starting it.

It goes hot about 3 days after cutting and smells a bit peculiar of
short chain fatty acids so you want it well away from the house.

I give it a quick turn before adding the next lot a week later. There is
always room by then. Bays are about 2x3m with three of them maturing.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown