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Mulching

nevets58peg_FT2DJgNnevets58peg_FT2DJgN Posts: 2
in The potting shed
I have a not insignificant pile of grass cuttings mixed with shredded brambles and nettles.
Would someone please advise me how long to wait before using this as a mulch?

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Depends on how  often you want to turn it. if you can contain it in a builders bag or compost bin, it should heat up and drop in volume.  Turn it to aerate it  and it will go down a bit more, then you can use it as mulch as soon as it is all brown.
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    Generally I use it as a mulch straight away, as long as I'm not putting it on too thick (where it may get hot), or too close to plant stems (where it may lead to stems rotting).
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Make sure the brambles have rotted - any bits that are viable will take root.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree with @Pete.8 re the brambles, and I'd be very wary of using that until well enough broken down, but it also depends what you're putting the material around. If it's around trees/shrubs/hedging, it's less of a problem when material isn't thoroughly broken down. If you can leave the brambles in a separate heap, that might be better for now. You can also add cardboard/paper etc, to give you a better mix to your greens.  
    I'd not put it round perennials, and softer planting, until properly rotted, which will take a while at this time of year.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



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  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I have shredded a vast amount of bramble this year. Long straight bits get chunked in a bosch spiral shredder.  Other bits go through the alko impact shredder, and I usually tip the chunks in as well to get them down finer. Mixed up with grass cuttings, it heats up to 50C in a compost bin, and there is no chance of anything regrowing.   I put roots of brambles, bindweed, dandelions in the bin for the council green waste.  This year, disappointed with commercial compost, I used my compost mixed up with blood fish and bone to grow my tomatoes in. Healthiest and most productive year ever.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    Grass can be a slug magnet if you have a thick layer and it can also go slimey if not mixed with other material. I mix it with cardboard, liked mentioned above, but also use leaves this time of year. I compost nettles but not when they have seeds. 
  • nevets58peg_FT2DJgNnevets58peg_FT2DJgN Posts: 2
    Thank you all for such detailed information. I suspected as much about the brambles taking root. Must get my act together and put together the second compost bin I've had leaning against the fence for the last two months.
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