leaf mold

These composts are mainly made up of organic matter such as bark, coir, green waste, paper, leafmould and sawdust, with added nutrients and water-retaining agents.

MULCH EVERYWHERE Adding a mulch, whether it be a biodegradable material such as compost, bark, leafmould or wood chippings, or non-biodegradable such as decorative pebbles, shingle, slate or gravel, will not only retain moisture but will also suppress weeds and generally make beds and borders look neater.

Putting any of the following in your compost bin can attract pests, create bad odours and make your compost unusable: | Baby nappies | Cooked vegetables | Branches | Cat litter | Dairy products | Diseased plants | Dog poo | Invasive weeds and grasses | Meat | Walnuts RAKE IT TO MAKE IT LEAFMOULD is a brilliant natural soil conditioner - and raw materials are lying around, waiting to be swept up.

LEAFMOULD is a brilliant natural soil conditioner and it is totally free.

Coarse peat or well-rotted leafmould sprinkled with bone-meal is ideal for preparing a site for planting after removing all perennial weeds and firming the area with your feet.

CONTINUE gathering leaves to make leafmould, which you can use as a mulch next year.

Adding bulky organic matter such as leafmould or garden compost will help to feed the soil in a natural way and also improve its texture so it holds just the right amount of moisture for as long as possible.

8 ESTABLISHED clumps of lilies can be top-dressed with peat or leafmould. Lily seeds can be sown in pots and stood outside.

PLANT OF THE WEEK - Trillium This is an unusual plant which will only thrive in woodlands under leafy shade and with leafmould below.

Pot it in John Innes No 3 compost, with added leafmould and grit for drainage.

" Save your leaves to make leafmould and mulch your new, naturalistic space every year, he advises.

CLEAR fallen leaves and recycle them to make leafmould. COLLECT plant supports and canes to store for winter.