A cheaper alternative, but be sure to ask questions concerning the origin of the soil to avoid nematodes, weed seeds or unwanted extras. This is great for separating clay and aiding water retention in sandy soils. Spread thinly and worked into the soil, clippings are a good organic source for nitrogen. Clippings that have been sprayed with herbicide should not be used. Fresh farm manure stinks, draws files from the next county and can burn plants if high in nitrogen.
Aged manure cuts down on the annoyance factor.
Good for breaking up clay and helping sandy soils to retain water. They are free, they are organic, they can be used as a mulch in the summer and then turned into the soil in the fall. Chopped up leaves decompose faster and provide fewer hideouts for slugs. Small, pea-size rocks actually improve clay soil by helping prevent dense particles from becoming packed together. Till help aerate the soil.