As winter approaches, gardens and parks become layered with fallen leaves, tempting many to rake and dispose of them. However, gardening experts urge a rethink: these autumn leaves are far more valuable than garden waste.
Horticulturalist Helen Hutchings Cox offers insightful advice on making the most of this seasonal bounty. Sharing her approach on Instagram (@helenlikesplants), Helen emphasizes the importance of leaving leaves where they fall whenever possible. “They massively improve your soil and provide shelter for animals and insects during winter,” she explains.
If leaves accumulate on your lawn, Helen recommends gently sweeping them to the side rather than removing them entirely. These leaves can then be used as a natural mulch on flower beds, gradually breaking down and enriching the soil over the colder months.
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For gardeners who prefer tidier spaces or have compost systems, Helen suggests adding leaves to compost bins or worm farms. Alternatively, storing leaves in bags or bins for about a year transforms them into nutrient-rich leaf mould—a highly prized soil conditioner. Her key takeaway: “Whatever you do, don’t throw them away.”
Supporting this advice, the Royal Horticultural Society highlights leaf mould as an excellent, free soil improver made from decomposed leaves, especially those from oak, beech, or hornbeam trees. Creating leaf mould is simple: collect dry leaves, moisten them slightly, place them in a perforated bag, loosely tie it, and store it in a shaded spot for a couple of years. Alternatively, build a leaf enclosure from chicken wire and stakes to keep leaves contained and sheltered while they compost naturally.
By embracing fallen leaves rather than discarding them, gardeners can naturally enhance soil health, support biodiversity, and reduce waste—turning autumn’s carpet into a resource for a thriving garden year-round.