How long does Old Grass take to Rot

gumbie121

Help Please,

I have dug up my old dead grass to be replaced and planning on putting in the raised beds. I know I am running out of time to get things planted for the spring but my question is :-

How long does the grass need to be rotted for before I can use it in the raised beds? If it takes too long then I will have to use top soil and Manure, will this be ok, or a better idea anyway?

Also, any tips of lying grass would be appreciated.

Thanks

Zazen999

Turn it upside down, put it at the bottom of the raised beds, and a layer of compost/well rotted manure on top & / or cardboard, and plant through. By next year it will be ok to dig if you need to, or just add more compost or well rotted manure as a mulch for the winter.

You're not running out of time, plenty of time yet. My early spuds aren't even in yet - only the onions. So don't panic!

Zazen999

Hi

In response to the PM [I try to keep away from PMs on here unless it really is private stuff]...if the roots are weedy, put cardboard down over the upturned grass, a few layers, and pop your well rotted manure/compost on top. If you give it enough depth then it will kill off the roots under the cardboard and you can still plant a majority of crops. I'd avoid carrots [grow them in pots this year] until you are certain that the roots have been killed off.

Try googling Lasagna gardening....it is the same principle. Layering for goodness and layering to kill off weeds.

melanie22_2

Hi zazen.

Question.

Can everything else be grown over grown layered in this way the first year except carrots?

gumbie121

Thanks Zazen,

What about all the roots in the grass, won't they re-root into the soil and ruin my veggy patch.

Penelope_Penguin

gumbie121 wrote: »

Thanks Zazen,

What about all the roots in the grass, won't they re-root into the soil and ruin my veggy patch.

That's why you turn the grass sods over - the roots are then facing upwards, so dry out and rot

Penny. x