Abstract: A mulching device which includes a mulching plate formed by a disk provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings disposed inwardly of the periphery of the disk. A cutting blade edge is located forward of a trailing edge of each opening, the cutting edges being axially spaced from a top surface of the disk. The mulching plate can be used in a lawn mower for replacing the conventional mower blade. A mulching adapter includes a hopper having a base for attachment to a top deck of a mower housing, the hopper having a lower tubular portion adapted to project through an opening in the deck, the tubular portion having a lower outlet end for positioning slightly above the path of travel of the cutting edges. The mulching plate is safer than conventional mower blades and achieves effective mulching of even coarse lawn and garden debris by using the power of the small engine of the conventional mower.