The Unexpected Reason Why You Should Start Burying Pennies In Your Lawn

If you've ever thought that pennies were only good for parking meters or collecting dust in a jar, think again. It turns out those coppery coins hold more value for your lawn than just a few extra cents. Gardeners and lawn enthusiasts are now tapping into a clever, budget-friendly trick: burying pennies in the soil. Why? Because pennies contain copper, an essential nutrient for healthy, vibrant grass growth. This old-school gardening tip, often passed down from grandparents, is making a comeback, and it's backed by real benefits for soil and grass.

When copper is present in soil, it boosts critical functions in plants. Copper supports photosynthesis which is crucial for lawn growth and health. Without enough copper, lawns can struggle, showing stunted growth or even developing fungal patches. Copper from pennies helps remedy this deficiency, allowing your grass to thrive with an added nutrient boost that enhances resilience. 

By burying pennies at strategic spots, you're essentially topdressing with copper, nourishing the soil gradually and naturally. Topdressing is a common practice where gardeners spread small amounts of compost or nutrient-rich material over their lawn. This is another excellent way to get gorgeous grass. Pennies are also fantastic for fighting some pests; slugs, for example, are known to avoid copper, making it an ideal, non-toxic deterrent. For anyone dealing with minor slug issues, placing pennies around susceptible plants can reduce damage. 

Start by burying pennies roughly two centimeters below the surface in various spots around the yard. For ease, consider doing this on a day when the soil is soft, such as after a rainfall. This makes it easier to dig small holes and get the pennies just where they need to be. Place them near areas where grass looks weak or tends to develop patches of mold, or even close to garden beds for a wider benefit to other plants.

If you're unsure whether your lawn needs copper, a quick soil test can confirm if copper levels are low. It's important not to overdo it, as too much copper can actually lead to toxicity, causing slow or stunted growth.

Testing out the penny method on a small area of your lawn first can show you how well it works before committing to larger sections. With pennies buried in the soil and careful nutrient management, you'll be on your way to achieving that lush, vibrant green lawn — without any major expense or chemical-heavy fertilizers. Another homemade trick is to sprinkle cinnamon on your lawn, a proven way to create more lush grass. While there are many myths about lawncare out there, this penny hack has genuine value, offering a natural, sustainable way to support your lawn.