Compost dead leaves with Herefordshire Council

The leaves that fall at this time of year can often cause havoc for gardeners across the county. And in certain places, leaves can also be a danger when wet.

Residents cannot only get rid of any dead leaves that litter their gardens; they can also make great use of them. The council's waste management team recommend collecting them up and either keeping a few back to put in the compost bin, or making leafmould.

Dead leaves can help to make excellent compost when mixed with grass cuttings. Leafmould is beneficial for the garden and increases the potential for water retention within the soil, therefore reducing the need for watering.

Making leafmould is easy to do and eliminates the need to light smoky bonfires.

Viktoria Salisbury, project development officer for composting, said: "In our recent composting clinics, residents asked what they should do with the massive quantities of dead leaves in their gardens. Either making leafmould or composting some of the dead leaves will not only save residents a trip to the household recycling centre, but it will also be beneficial to the garden.

"We are constantly striving to help residents with their composting and we urge people to contact us if they require any advice."

Compost bins are available from £8.Those wanting further information about composting or leafmould should call the Mission Impossible hotline on 01905 766883 or visit http://www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk/.