Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The tedious task of leaf raking hangs over November like a cloud. Use the leaves rather than burn them. Pack them into a chicken-wire pen if you have room to build one; ideally around 4ft square. Packed like this, the leaves rot down to make a brilliant soil mulch. There is no need to shred them first: the slight increase in speed of rotting in no way compensates for the terrible noise.
Beech mast is at present thicker on our drive than leaves. The trees carried a very heavy crop, which keeps its structure for a surprisingly long time. I have been using the mast to resurface the paths on the bank where the fact that it does not rot is a distinct advantage. The husks crackle when you walk on them.
It is often difficult to water trees and shrubs on steep slopes. Sink an old drainpipe or plastic soft drink bottle with both ends cut off alongside the tree. Set it so the top just surfaces above the soil. Water delivered through the pipe will get straight to the tree's roots.
Dispatch lingering Hallowe'en witches by planting garlic, setting the separated cloves 6in apart in rows 1ft apart. Garlic stops growing after the longest day. By planting now, roots and shoots will be well established before the bulb has to charge off on its spring sprint.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments