Rake up and use fallen leaves to make leafmould

Rake fallen leaves, particularly off lawns before they block out light and moisture to the grass. On large lawns a leaf-blower can help make the task much easier.

Then why not use the leaves to make leafmould, which is a free source of organic matter (and often nicer to handle than manure). Once ready after a year or two, it makes a great soil improver or mulch.

If you have a small amount of wet leaves, fill black polythene bags and tie a knot in the top. Make a few small holes in the sides and put the bags somewhere out of sight for a year. If you have more leaves than will fill a few bags, build a bin from chicken wire wrapped around four solid corner posts, and top with a piece of flat wood or old carpet to help insulate the pile and to stop the leaves from being blown away. After no longer than 2 years, you will be left with sweet-smelling material that can be used to improve your soil or mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture and prevent weeds.