Hey everyone! I'm excited to set up two raised beds (4x8x2) for growing veggies, herbs, and fruits this summer in Michigan (Zone 6A). I've done a lot of research on how to fill them but would love some extra advice. My plan is to layer the materials: starting with cardboard, then adding grass clippings and wood chips/sticks, followed by a mix of compost and topsoil. I'll also include some worm castings, coco coir, and finish with mulch. However, I'm concerned about using yard clippings—we have a ton from mowing last year! I've read that while organic material is great for nutrients, yard clippings might cause grass to grow unexpectedly. I want to ensure my garden thrives, so any tips would be super helpful!
2 Answers
You should be totally fine using grass clippings! I’ve used them myself without issues since you're just cutting the grass rather than pulling it out by the roots. The clippings won't survive on their own. But just keep an eye on how you use them—it's the roots in the soil that cause the problem if you dig it up from your yard.
For the grass clippings, the best approach is to spread them out somewhere in your yard first, mixing them with carbon-rich materials like shredded paper, leaves, or cardboard. This will help them break down before you layer them into your bed. A thick layer of grass can clump together and become anaerobic, which isn't great for your raised bed. Also, with the wood chips and sticks, just don’t overdo it. While they can help with moisture and cut down soil costs, they might sequester the nitrogen in the soil while they break down, which can leave your soil nutrient-poor over time.
That’s really good to know! I think I remember reading about how a thick layer can mat down and affect drainage too. I’ll definitely keep all this in mind!
Thank you that makes me feel so much better!