How to Convert Leaves & Grass Cuttings Into Mulch

Grass clippings are a nitrogen rich soil amendment.

Dead leaves and grass clippings are not just yard waste. Gardeners can use these materials as a mulch in the lawn, or on a flower or vegetable garden. Mulch is a layer of material placed over the soil to block weed growth and maintain the soil's moisture level. By combining the leaves and grass clippings, you provide an organic mulch for your garden which will break down over time and enrich the soil.

Things You'll Need

• Lawn mower
• Rake

Instructions

1. Set your lawn mower's cutting height so it will remove one-third of the grass height when you mow. This encourages healthy grass and the generation of a strong root system. If you have a bagging lawn mower, keep the bag on.

2. Mow your grass as usual, on a dry day so the clippings don't clump. Remove the mower bag and empty the clippings into a pile near your garden. If you do not have a bagging mower, rake up the clippings into a pile near the garden.

3. Spread the dead leaves you've collected into a thin layer on the lawn. Make the layer 1 inch thick. Run over the leaves with your lawn mower, making repeat passes until you have cut them into dime-sized pieces. Rake up the leaves into a separate pile next to the clippings.

4. Mix the leaves and grass clippings together at a ratio of 2 parts leaves to 1 part grass clippings. Spread the mulch over the garden soil in a layer up to 2 inches thick. Do not make it thicker than that, or the grass clippings may block air circulation and sunlight.

References

• University of Missouri: Grass Clippings, Compost and Mulch: Frequently Asked Questions; Chris Starbuck
• Scotts: Don't Rake Those Leaves, Mulch Them Into Your Lawn