[james419]

The mowing season is now in full swing and we have masses of grass cuttings - have compste some - used some as a mulch - given some to the ducks,geese an chicks, tipped some into the field next door - and that is just this weeks cut, any ideas what we do as the season gets worse?

[DD.]

errrrrrr - bigger compost heap?

[compostqueen]

You can spread them out and dry them on the ground then bung em in as "browns"  You can keep some back to keep adding to your bin in layers

Or get more bins, lots of em  

[jimroden]

I have used Grass cutting's as a base for my hanging basket's instead of moss

[SnooziSuzi]

I don't know how true it is, and bear with me here....

I once heard from someone that you should't give cut grass clippings to animals because it can give them stomach pains (in horses anyway).  

I think it was something to do with how the grass emits a chemical when cut and because when they are eaten this doesn't have any time to have contact with the air or whatever it doesn't cause any problems but cut grass has plenty of time to oxidise between being cut and being tipped out.

I'd stick with building a bigger compost heap and if you don't have room for it ask around - your allotment neighbours might be glad of it... I know I would!  

[james419]

I now know why the french have small lawns and big veg plots - less mowing and no problem getting rid of the excess grass, the animals have been eating the cuttings for 3 years not a problem - but only fed fresh - enough to eat within the hour - dont have horses - yet!!! - but OH has just passed out on the floor at the prospect!!!!! She would like a donkey but you need a pair and they make too much noise.

[Big Jen]

Hello everyone.
I am a horse owner and can assure you that grass cuttings are lethal to horses. Do not on any account put grass cuttings in fields occupied by horses. It causes colic when it ferments in the gut. Long grass is ok if fed in small amounts immediately but lawn clippings are different- the horse will eat it too quickly without chewing it, they are very greedy animals!!
Sorry to sound stern but I have two friends that have lost horses in this way.
BJ

[Aunt Sally]

You shouldn't give much to chooks either.  It can be too long and cause crop impaction.  If you do give it to chooks make sure it's very short and only give a little making to give them plenty of grit too.

[TheChilliMan]

Personaly? I dont mow the lawn, my dad does. He just throws it out.

[james419]

Seems like a good move - however my dad died 24 years ago so cannot get him to do it - sons both live in the UK so no good with them either - have treid converting some of the grass to paddock for animals but OH is objecting - dont understand her sometimes!

[weeeed]

Send them to me!! I have no grass (from choice) but could really do with the odd barrow load of clippings. Sure it wouldn't take you long to wheel them round to mine    

[james419]

If I can get them to Zeebrugge - may be you callect when boats arrives in Hull (P & O Ferries) - will be a bit grotty but quite happy to have a go - just need your contribution to the petrol!!!!! - Cheaper to buy a lawn I think

[weeeed]

Oh heck you mean you can't get them to me in your weelbarrow? Where's your ambition man!!! I'll go halves for the rubber on the tyres  

[Lee1978]

How about making a hot bed, works a treat  

[james419]

Sounds interesting job for OH - what is a Hot Bed and how do you make one???