Grass clippings are great for annual gardens including herb and perennial gardens. They are free and abundant in summer when lawns must be cut frequently. Simply attach the bag to your lawn mower and collect the clippings as you cut the grass. When you are finished, simply spread the clippings over the garden bed. It is important, however, to never use grass that you think may have been treated with herbicides.

Leaves are mulching superstars. Leaves from most any deciduous tree will do the job nicely. Be sure to shred them first by running over them with a lawn mower to help keep them from blowing around. Spread them 2 inches deep and be sure to replenish the supply as the leaves decompose. Leaves will attract earthworms, which in turn will help convert the decaying leaves into wonderful fertilizer for your soil.

Pine straw or pine needles make excellent mulch. It looks nice and smells great. Straw can be piled up to 8 inches thick. If you live in a wet climate, avoid straw mulch as it can draw slugs.

Wood chips work well, but should not be used too close to homes, as chips can draw termites. Chips work nicely to cover paths easily. If you have to get a tree stump ground ask that the chips be left behind. Some tree trimming companies or arborists will allow you to haul off wood chips for free.

Newspaper can work surprisingly well when layered as a weed barrier. Thicknesses of 4 layers should be laid wet in the garden. You may then cover with a more decorative form of mulch such as wood chips. Do not use paper sections that feature colored inks or slick advertising papers in vegetable or herb gardens.

Jerry J. Jansen
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