FALL FOR SUSTAINABILITY
South African Garden and Home|Garden&Home; March 2024
Autumn is the season of sustainability in the garden, providing plenty of opportunities to recycle your waste and consider the environment
MADISON MOULTON
FALL FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Autumn seems like a period of limited activity and winding down in the garden. But it actually offers many opportunities for gardeners to establish environmentally friendly gardening habits while preparing for the colder months ahead. As shapers of our gardens and, by extension, our local environments, even small actions can make a substantial and longterm difference.

Using Autumn Leaves

Autumn is synonymous with falling leaves and gardeners consider raking them an annoying chore. But what if I told you that you could reduce the time spent doing laborious tasks like this while helping your garden environment? Fallen leaves are a treasure trove for sustainable gardening you shouldn't overlook. Instead of getting rid of them, consider reusing them to fill containers and raised beds, or mowing over them to create a nourishing mulch for your beds or lawn. This recycles nutrients back into your soil, ensuring they don't go to waste. Leaving some leaves undisturbed in certain areas of your garden also provides essential protection for insects and microbes, fostering a healthy ecosystem.

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