Grass Clippings as Vegetable Garden Mulch: Safe if Herbicide-Free

Fresh grass clippings make good mulch for vegetables if the lawn wasn’t treated with herbicides. Clippings from weed-killer-treated lawns can damage sensitive crops. They may also introduce weed seeds.

Best Practices

• Use only from untreated lawns.
• Apply in thin layers (1 inch) to prevent matting and odor.
• Allow to dry slightly before applying.
• Replenish as they decompose.

Composting clippings first eliminates seed risk and creates richer mulch.

Thin layer of dried grass clippings around tomato plants.