Fermenting grass clippings in rainwater is a widely used method to create a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer, often referred to as "grass tea" or "JADAM liquid fertilizer." This process uses naturally occurring microbes to break down the grass and extract nutrients into the water, producing a plant feed that is especially beneficial to garden soils and crops125.
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Collect fresh, chemical-free grass clippings.
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If possible, chop or cut into smaller pieces to increase surface area for microbial action5.
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Fill a container (bucket/barrel/keg) partially with grass clippings—usually 1/3 to 3/4 full, pressed down gently124.
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Cover with rainwater until the clippings are submerged, leaving some headspace for air and agitation1245.
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Optionally, inoculate with a handful of mature compost, leaf mold, or old soil to introduce beneficial microbes for decomposition and fermentation2.
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Cover the container with a breathable material (cloth, newspaper) to allow gas exchange and deter insects. Avoid airtight lids to prevent foul anaerobic conditions5.
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Place the container in a shaded, cool place.
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Stir or agitate gently daily to promote even fermentation and aeration5.
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Let the mixture ferment for 3–14 days depending on ambient temperature and the desired strength (shorter times yield a lighter tea, longer produces a stronger, sometimes smellier concentrate)125.
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Longer fermentations (weeks to months), typically anaerobic and sealed, produce thick, strong fertilizers (as practiced in JADAM liquid fertilizers)2.
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: This process commonly yields a strong, sometimes offensive odor, which is a byproduct of decomposition and fermentation7.
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: Using rainwater is ideal because it avoids the chlorine/chemicals found in tap water, which can kill beneficial microbes5.
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: Shorter infusions (3–5 days) are best for aerobic teas with less odor; longer, anaerobic ferments are stronger but much smellier67.
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: The resulting tea can be watered into soil or used as a foliar feed for plants, ideally applied during cooler parts of the day5.
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: Especially beneficial during early plant growth stages28.
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: Also delivers potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients2.
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usually mean the mixture is too anaerobic; you can mitigate this with more frequent stirring, less grass per water volume, or shorter steep times7.
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grass teas can be diluted prior to use to avoid plant burn5.
| Step | Key Actions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Collect | Chemical-free, fresh clippings, chopped small | More surface area = faster brew |
| Container | Bucket or keg, 1/3–3/4 filled with clippings | |
| Water | Rainwater to cover | Avoid tap (chlorine) |
| Cover | Cloth/newspaper for gas exchange | No airtight lids |
| Fermentation Time | 3–14 days (short); weeks–months (JADAM) | Stir daily for short ferments |
| Strain & Use | Dilute before application, strain solids | Apply as soil/fertilizer drench |
| Disposal | Spent solids to compost |
This technique transforms waste into free, organic, liquid plant fertilizer, especially suited for home gardens125.
- https://www.growveg.com/guides/3-ways-to-use-grass-clippings-in-your-garden/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcmR8KbJzH8
- https://www.reddit.com/r/composting/comments/11qh29c/how_would_you_go_about_composting_if_you_had/
- https://www.ruralsprout.com/grass-clippings/
- https://gardenislife.com/articles/plant-care/how-to-effectively-turn-grass-clippings-into-plant-fertilizer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVzaIPahlcA
- https://www.reddit.com/r/composting/comments/157fc5q/i_tried_to_compost_my_lawn_clippings_but_then_it/
- https://takecareoftexas.org/about-us/blog/unleash-power-grass-clippings
- https://www.elcentrodecorazon.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Compost-and-Rain-Barrel-Use.pdf
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