From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

It’s Thursday friends, almost Friday!  That means it is almost the weekend, so what better than to present you with an extremely easy, extremely productive way of spending your aforementioned weekend!  How about a do-it-yourself project that helps you, your yard, your planet and your conscious all at the same time?  Without further ado, here is a cool DIY project on how to turn your common everyday autumn leaves into some very productive, yard-greening mulch with minimal effort and maximum results.

According to the good folks over at Planet Green, this is a project anyone can do, at any time, with seriously minimal effort.  Head over and check it out, but for now, here is just how to get it done!

“What You’ll Need

* Rake
* An Electric Leaf Shredder
* Shovel
* Mulch Bin

Step One:
Rake the leaves into a pile.

Step Two:

Get out your trusty electric leaf shredder. Don’t have one? Well, you don’t need one. The leaves just need to be thoroughly broken up. You can go over them with a push lawn mower or you can chop them apart with a shovel, but a rechargeable, battery-powered leaf shredder is the fastest way. Scoop up the leaves with the shovel and put them in the shredder.

Step Three:

Get your mulching bin or bins. These bins should be sizable enough to house all your leaf fragments. Shovel the leaf fragments into your mulch bin. Make sure that your mulching bin has a secure seal, so you can keep the leaves dry. Mulch is not compost. With mulch, you want to stop the leaves from decomposing. Mulch’s function is to insulate the soil and to prevent the evaporation of water. It also stops weeds from growing where they shouldn’t. When the layer of mulch finally does rots, it becomes compost and nourishes the plants. But initially, you need your mulch dry.

Step Four:

Once winter is over and spring has sprung, open your mulch bin. Shovel the dried leaf fragments onto the ground. Using a rake, spread a thin layer of mulch around your garden. Viola! You’ve reused your leaves.”

Remember, mulch is NOT compost.  It serves an entirely different function and should be treated that way.  Do these steps, keep up with it and come Spring, I personally guarantee your lawn will be healthier, greener and brighter than ever before!

(Image via Wikipedia)