Leaf mould

Right now it’s time to gear yourself up for autumn and get ready to recycle your falling leaves for great eco-friendly and free garden compost.

Punch a few holes in a bin liner.

Rake up all your fallen leaves and put them into the bag.

When the bag is nearly full, spray water and shake the bag then tie it.

Store the bag in a shady spot so the leaves rot into a rich crumbly mixture which should be applied to the base of plants as mulch.

If you will be wanting the leaves to rot to such a level it can be added as soil compost leave the bag for a full year before using.

Deal with weeds the eco-friendly way!

It is quite easy to control most weeds when they are seen early enough and without the use of chemicals.

Mulch the borders in your garden with at least 3 inches of bark to prevent weeds from naturally colonizing.

Where there are large areas of bare soil – cover them using carpet, plastic or landscape fabric to stop weeds germinating in the spring.

Remove your annual weeds by hoeing or hand pulling out of the ground.

Use a hand fork to remove perennial weeds so you ensure all the bits of root are removed.

Use an old knife to scrape away weeds and moss from paving gaps.

Use a knife before you mow on tall and coarse grass.

Tread lawns with a feeding/weeding product where necessary.