The next time the lawn mower leaves behind a fresh layer of grass clippings, think twice before stuffing them into a bag. Those green leftovers can become one of the cheapest and most effective garden helpers around when used as leaf litter mulch. Instead of paying for bags of mulch every spring, gardeners can recycle what the yard already produces and give flower beds, vegetable gardens, and trees a natural boost.
Nature has used this trick forever. Forest floors never stay bare because fallen leaves, small twigs, and plant material blanket the ground year after year. That protective layer slowly breaks down, feeds countless organisms beneath the surface, and creates rich, healthy soil. A home garden can benefit from the same simple process without spending an extra dime.
