How to Ferment Grass Clippings in Water to Make Liquid Fertilizer

Fermenting grass clippings in water is a simple, effective, and sustainable way to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer for your garden. This process, often called "grass tea" or "liquid grass fertilizer," extracts valuable nutrients from fresh clippings and delivers them in a form that plants can quickly absorb.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Materials

• Fresh grass clippings (ensure they are free from herbicides or pesticides)

• A large bucket or container (5-gallon/20-liter is common)

• Water (preferably rainwater, but tap water can be used if left to sit for a day to dissipate chlorine)

• Stirring stick or tool

• Lid or cover (not airtight)

2. Prepare the Mixture

• Fill the container about two-thirds full with fresh grass clippings51115.

• Add enough water to submerge the clippings, leaving some space at the top to prevent overflow51115.

• Stir the mixture to ensure all clippings are wet and oxygenated511.

3. Steeping and Fermentation

• Cover the container loosely (do not seal airtight; gases need to escape)67.

• Place the container in a shaded, cool spot.

• Stir the mixture daily to introduce oxygen and speed up nutrient extraction56.

• For a quick nutrient extraction (tea), steep for 2–5 days. Most nutrients, especially nitrogen, will be released in this period3515.

• For a stronger, fermented fertilizer, allow the mixture to sit for 1–2 weeks. The longer it ferments, the more potent (and smellier) it becomes411.

4. Strain and Use

• Once the liquid is dark brown or yellow and the smell is strong, strain out the solids using a fine mesh, cloth, or screen. This prevents seeds or debris from entering your garden5611.

• Use the leftover solids in your compost pile14.

5. Dilution and Application

• Dilute the liquid fertilizer before use. A common dilution is 1 part fertilizer to 10 parts water for most plants711.

• Apply the diluted solution around the root zone of plants using a watering can.

• For seedlings or sensitive plants, start with a weaker dilution (1:20) and observe plant response56.

• Use immediately, as the solution can become anaerobic and foul if stored too long511.

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Nutrients Provided

Grass clipping tea is especially rich in:

• Nitrogen (promotes leafy growth)

• Potassium (supports root and flower development)

• Phosphorus (aids in fruit and flower production)

• Trace elements like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and others, depending on the original grass111.

Typical NPK ratio for grass clippings: 4-0.5-211.

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Tips and Considerations

• Avoid herbicide/pesticide contamination: Only use clippings from untreated lawns5.

• Aeration: Stirring daily helps prevent anaerobic (smelly, potentially harmful) conditions56.

• Smell: Fermented grass tea can be pungent. Store the container away from living spaces14.

• Seed Caution: Straining well helps prevent weed seeds from spreading in your garden5.

• Storage: Use the liquid soon after straining. If you must store, keep it in a cool, dark place in a loosely covered container for up to a few days56.

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Summary Table: Quick vs. Fermented Grass Tea

Method	Steep Time	Smell	Nutrient Strength	Use Immediately?	Dilution Ratio
Quick Grass Tea	2–5 days	Mild	Moderate	Yes	1:10
Fermented Grass Tea	1–2 weeks	Strong	High	Yes (after straining)	1:10–1:20

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Conclusion

Fermenting grass clippings in water is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to recycle lawn waste into a powerful, organic fertilizer. With minimal effort, you can boost your garden’s health and productivity using this simple DIY method5111517.

1. https://www.instructables.com/Making-Liquid-Fertilizer-from-Weeds/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FJ-W2R_JBo
3. https://www.growveg.com/guides/making-homemade-liquid-fertilizers/
4. https://permies.com/t/40/26359/composting/Liquid-fertilizer-weeds-true
5. https://www.regenerativedesigns.com.au/blog/make-your-own-plant-based-liquid-fertiliser
6. https://www.manomano.co.uk/advice/how-to-make-liquid-fertilisers-at-home-7419
7. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/step-by-step-guide-making-liquid-fertilizer-edward-onyuka-6yrbf
8. https://www.reddit.com/r/gardening/comments/13ap9e6/diy_liquid_fertilizer_soak_pretty_much_any/
9. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Production-of-Liquid-Organic-Fertilizer-Through-of-Mostafazadeh-Fard-Samani/15590c24fe3c4ae37e8ca1efa9284ea1b8c277c4
10. https://www.ournookofthewoods.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-organic-liquid-fertilizer
11. https://balconygardenweb.com/liquid-grass-clipping-tea-fertilizer/
12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poOKjrSKsQg
13. https://www.reddit.com/r/nzgardening/comments/1iqmr2m/limitations_of_liquid_fertilizer_from_grass/
14. https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/liquid-fertilizers-zm0z11zhun/
15. https://www.almanac.com/fertilizer-tea-plants-weeds-and-grass
16. https://www.growveg.co.uk/guides/making-homemade-liquid-fertilizers/
17. https://takecareoftexas.org/about-us/blog/unleash-power-grass-clippings
18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ddMcEQAJrE
19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIh3qo3rIr4