Converting Lawn to Garden with Newspaper and Mulch

To turn grass into planting beds without chemicals:

1. Lay down at least ½ inch of newspaper (5+ layers) over the grass.
2. Cover with 4–6 inches of mulch (wood chips, straw, leaves).
3. Wait 4–6 weeks for grass to die.
4. Plant shrubs by cutting holes through the paper; mulch around new plants, keeping mulch 1 inch from stems.

Any weeds that penetrate will pull easily. This sheet‑mulching method preserves soil structure and moisture for nearby trees.

— The Long Island Gardener