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Grass clippings alone?

AJ Drew

AJ Drew

Read that all a healthy garden needs is a half inch of grass clippings worked into the soil.  We mulch with grass clippings, then turn it under the next spring.  So I am covered if this is true.  But we do a bunch more with pond and barn scrapings.  Just kind of wondering if it could be true that just a half inch of grass can provide all the nutrients needed for a year of gardening.

I am thinking no, but the source of the info was fairly good.
 
It's great mulch and a moderate source of nitrogen, but I don't think grass minus any fert/compost/cover crops can provide everything your garden needs. But I'm not a grass expert - much of any expert, really. I would think the whole enchilada for in-ground plantings is needed for the highest success - rotation, companions, mulch, compost, etc. 
 
I doubt you even need to turn it under
 
Annuals prefer bacterial soil, perennials prefer fungal soils
 
If you grow plants that prefer lower pH soils that are fungal dominated, fall leaves would be better
If you grow plants that prefer higher pH soils that are bacteria dominated, glass clippings would be awesome
 
So fall leaves under your rhododendrons, grass clippings under the vegetables
 
Great question and discussion so far.  I've been curious, and started a compost bin (both grass and leaves) last year, but have yet to apply it anywhere.
 
Mike
 
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