Rake leaves to make mould

Raking fallen leaves can feel relentless but don’t despair – put this hard work to good use and bag up those leaves. Grab a bin liner, compress air out of the bag once it’s packed with leaves, tie shut and punch holes in the bottom for ventilation. Pop the bags somewhere cool and shady, then ignore them until next autumn. You can also build a frame lined with chicken wire to keep leaves in place. Once broken down, this leaf mould can be used as a nutritious soil improver or mulch.