Fall Chores: Four Tips to Save Money and Time

By MARY ELLEN KALUZA

November. Most of the leaves have fallen. Some places have had a killing frost. The skies can threaten snow. I love this time of year: so dramatic! It’s also a prelude to winter, the season of relaxation and catching up on reading or TV.

I enjoy doing fall chores during this month. I like the crisp air for working outdoors, the quality of the daylight, the tidying up and the buttoning down. Ignoring those chores can be costly in money and time. Here are my tips to save both:

Leaves

In Minneapolis we are required to use compostable bags for our leaves, and those bags are pricey. I watch my neighbors fill up a dozen bags or more with leaves for the city to pick up. That’s a lot of raking, bending and hauling and a lot of money besides. Instead, mow your leaves! Chop them into little pieces that will break down and feed your lawn. You’ll save time, money and your back! You’ll also be enjoying some hot chocolate while your neighbors are still stuffing those mountains of leaves into bags.

Flower Pots

In your enthusiasm for the end of drab winter and the birth of flowers and greenery again, you invested in pots and soil to brighten up the homestead.… Read the rest “Fall Chores: Four Tips to Save Money and Time”