Photo by angelia23

So we already talked briefly the other day about Simple Ways to Prep Your Garden for Winter, but I want to know more. And you probably do too. Right?

I have to admit I got a little giddy when I read a new article on Sunset's Fresh Dirt blog about using Autumn leaves for mulch. Leaves serving as mulch is one of those naturual world wonders I sort of understood about my garden, but I have never actively placed Autumn leaves into real play in my garden bed.

This article really got me excited to put leaves into action this season in order to reduce weeds and gain a wonderful Spring soil.

In his article, "Winter Work for Autumn Leaves," Jim McCausland explains how he uses his mower to gather up all the fallen leaves from his grass and then disperses them in his garden. Genius! Why didn't I think of that? It makes the work of raking (or in this case, mowing) really pay off.

I wasn't really thrilled with the part where McCausland explains I'll have to weed prior to putting down the leaves. However, if it means less new weeds in the Spring, I guess I'm willing to take it on. In half a morning, I can rid our front lawn of a ton of leaves and set up my backyard flower/plant bed for a winter of soil enrichment. Wow. I love it.

Do you use Autumn leaves for mulch? Give us your low-cost tips for preparing your garden for winter down below. I, for one, can use all the help I can get.