Dear Almanac readers,

As the weather turns colder, leaves pile up around the garden and may seem like a nuisance. However, they're actually a wonderfully valuable resource! See how to turn a pile of leaves into gardener's gold by shredding them into leaf mold. Enjoy this advice—and more tips for the yard and garden in today's Companion.

Sincerely,

Your Almanac Editors

Dull November brings the blast;
Then the leaves are whirling fast.
–Sara Coleridge (1802–52)