Old turf that's been lifted - is it of use in rest of the garden?

M33R4 · February 2023

I've dug up the dying old lawn and have plenty of turf chunks which I've temporarily placed in the beds.

Do I mulch them into the beds and plant within this season, or are they only good for the compost heap?
Or do they need to get binned?

punkdoc · February 2023

Make a turf stack. Start with apiece grass down, then grass up, etc. Leave for a year, makes very good loamy compost.

Fairygirl · February 2023

I stack too. It doesn't rot down rapidly enough in my compost bins, so you end up with lots of solid lumps. I expect if the soil on the turf is a lighter mix, it's fine.

I also use it in the base of larger pots. It provides a good, moisture retaining mix for things like sweet peas, which need plenty of water.

M33R4 · February 2023

Fairygirl said:

...I also use it in the base of larger pots. It provides a good, moisture retaining mix for things like sweet peas, which need plenty of water.

Wow that is an awesome suggestion thanks Fairygirl

M33R4 · February 2023

punkdoc said:

Make a turf stack. Start with apiece grass down, then grass up, etc. Leave for a year, makes very good loamy compost.

Thank you that does sound doable!

bédé · February 2023

Punk's turf stack recommendation is like the original process for making the "loam" in John Innes compost. But its quality will depend on the soil quality.

By-the-way, does anyone know if companies need a licence and pay royalties to use the words "John Innes" on their products? Is it a guarantee of a certain quality?

Old turf that's been lifted - is it of use in rest of the garden?

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