Home Gardening

Don't bag it - leave it "alawn"
Garden Tips Newsletter - September 24, 2001

The phrase, "Don't bag it - leave it 'alawn'," was one that, in Texas, I grew up hearing and seeing. The phrase came from a program that encouraged homeowners to use their fallen leaves or cut grass as mulch or compost instead of bagging it and having it hauled off to the landfill. As I drive around my neighborhood, I see many people bagging up their leaves and lawn cuttings. I secretly drive by and pick up these bags and take them home, because to me they are bags of gold - not trash. All of these bags of leaves and grass are perfect for the compost pile. In no time at all I will turn other people's "trash" into rich compost for my garden - and its absolutely free! Many of you may not be so bold as to pick up your neighbor's trash (as I said I do it secretly), but you can use your own leaves and cut grass for compost and mulch. I encourage you to leave your leaves and grass "alawn"!

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.