Fall in Willow Lake is beautiful… until you realize most of those lovely leaves are plotting against you. They pile in the yard, drift under the porch, and somehow sneak into the mudroom. But don’t worry — a prepper’s got a plan.
Here’s how I tackle the leafy invasion, the Pepper way:
1 – Rake ‘em, don’t hate ‘em.
Those leaves might look messy, but they’re gardening gold. I rake them into big piles (Mo insists on supervising this part) and use them as mulch around shrubs and flower beds. They keep the soil cozy through winter and turn into rich compost by spring. Waste not, want not — especially when nature’s doing half the work.
2 – Make mulch magic.
Instead of bagging them up for pickup, I run over them with the mower. Shredded leaves break down faster and are perfect for layering in the compost bin. If you’ve never seen Roxie watching a leaf blower in action, you haven’t seen true feline judgment.
3 – Chase down the sneaky ones.
You know the type — those leaves that hide out in the gutters pretending they don’t exist. They’re trouble waiting to happen once the snow and ice hit. I glove up, clear them out, and, without fail, a new batch blows in the moment I finish. Timing is everything, apparently… for trees.
4 – Give the garden a goodbye hug.
After the last rake and sweep, I spread a thin layer of leaves over my vegetable beds to protect the soil. It’s a simple prepper trick that saves work later — less erosion, better nutrients, and fewer weeds come spring.
5 – Reward yourself.
Because after all that raking, scooping, and chasing, you’ve earned it. I end the day with a steaming mug of tea on the porch, watching Mo chase one last leaf across the yard while Roxie pretends not to care.
Autumn has its chores, sure, but there’s comfort in knowing each one counts toward being ready for the season ahead.
Stay prepped and prepared,
Pepper
