Everybody knows how great mulch is for protecting garden trees; it retains moisture, builds up the soil and smothers weeds. But did you know you can make it yourself and save money? It's similar to keeping a compost heap...

Step 1: Choose a spot for the pile someplace out of the way but easily accessible.

Step 2: Ideally, start your mulch pile in the fall by adding all your raked up leaves.

Step 3: Place a tarp over the pile to keep it warm and help decomposition along. This is essential for winter.

Step 4: In the spring, start adding any handy organic material: grass clippings, pulled weeds, small twigs, pine needles, fruit and vegetable peelings and even newspapers or uncoated cardboard. (If you want a clean mulch, use only leaves, grass and plants)

Step 5: Turn over your pile with a shovel or pitchfork on a regular basis. Over time, you'll see it crumbling into bits similar to a dark, rich soil - Mulch!

Step 6: Keep your pile warm and add new material as you do your garden chores. Any material at the bottom that is too far decomposed for use as mulch can be added to your compost heap or to the soil.