Autumn is here, and the smell of crisp leaves, woodsmoke, and frost is in the air. That must mean it’s time to rake up all those leaves that are littering your lawn and get rid of them… But wait! Before you do, watch this video.

Most homeowners impatiently wait for the last autumn leaf to fall in order to collect them all and send them off as yard waste. But did you know that you’re wasting one of the best free resources available for building better soil?

By tossing your fallen leaves, you’re throwing away one of the best soil-building materials that you can use in your garden – and they’re totally FREE! Take advantage of nature’s free source of nutrients to build better soil for future gardens.

This short video shows you how to use your autumn leaves for a number of garden-enhancing purposes – from protecting your plants during cold weather, to making valuable leaf compost, to keeping weeds at bay.

When you’re done watching the lovely sight of all those pretty leaves drifting past your window, get out there and get them raked up – and put them to work for you in the garden!