Leaves can become inexpensive mulch

Q. During fall, everyone throws out bags of leaves. I've heard that recycling leaves is good for your garden.

A. Each year, yard waste accounts for more than a million tons of our state's solid waste. Why not rethink the whole concept of garden rubbish and the ecosystem? Leaves provide a terrific, free soil conditioner. As the leaves begin breaking down, they provide a home for earthworms and an array of insects; earthworms is a good indicator of healthy soil.

There are several ways you can recycle leaves. Till the leaves directly in the garden, or shred the leaves with your lawn mower and use as mulch. Shredding helps break down the leaves much more quickly; this makes it easier for microorganisms to do their work. Shredding the leaves also prevents them from packing together into stacks that repel moisture and seal out air. To use as mulch, apply several thin layers (3 to 4 inches in depth) of the shredded leaves around tree trunks or bushes. Keep the mulch six inches away from tree trunks.

You can also make leaf mold. Leaf mold is nothing more than crumbly brown material with a pleasant, earthy scent. While improving soil structure, it also helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation. Fill a large plastic bag (preferably a garbage bag) with leaves and moisten them. Seal the bag and then make some small slits in the bag for airflow. You may want to occasionally check the leaves to make sure they are moist, and add water if necessary. By next spring or summer, you will have a big batch of mulch.

• Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.