Garden Nations

Autumn · Soil & Compost Autumn Leaves Are Free Garden Gold Stop bagging them for the bin. Fallen leaves can become leaf mould, compost and mulch that feeds your soil for free. Every autumn, gardeners rake up piles of leaves and throw them away, then buy bags of compost and soil improver in spring. It makes no sense. Those leaves are full of carbon and minerals the tree pulled up from deep in the ground, and with a little patience they turn into one of the best soil conditioners there is. The good news: it's almost no work. You don't need a shredder, a special bin or any chemicals. A wire cage, a few old bags and some time are enough. Leaf Mould vs Compost: What's the Difference? They sound the same, but they work in different ways. Leaf Mould Made from leaves only. It is broken down slowly by fungi , not bacteria, so it stays cool and takes around one to two years . The result is dark, crumbly and smells like a forest floor. It's low in nutrients ...

Soil · Organic Gardening Healthy Soil, Healthy Garden Simple, natural ways to build rich, living soil without chemicals. Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden, and the good news is you don't need bagged fertilizers or complicated products to build it. A few simple, natural habits can transform tired, compacted dirt into rich, crumbly soil that plants love. Start by adding compost regularly. Whether it's homemade from kitchen scraps and yard waste or purchased from a garden center, compost feeds the microbes and earthworms that keep soil structure loose and full of nutrients. A one-inch layer worked into the top few inches of soil each season makes a noticeable difference within a year. Mulching is another easy win. A layer of straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips on top of the soil keeps moisture from evaporating too quickly, blocks weed seeds from germinating, and slowly breaks down to add organic matter. It also protects soil from erosion during heavy rain. A...