1 HOUR to make a difference

If time is short, focus on one satisfying task – and the rest of the garden can wait

Fallen leaves can seem like a nuisance, but collecting them will give you a source of invaluable free soil conditioner and some warming, healthy exercise. Gather them into piles with a spring-tine rake – ‘big hands’ leaf collectors are ideal for picking them up. Store in a wire netting enclosure or black plastic sacks, piercing holes in the top and sides and watering them if they are dry. In two years you’ll have crumbly black leaf mould to add to your soil or use as mulch.