Start a compost pile. Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to soil.  Compost is one of nature’s best mulches and soil amendments, and you can use it instead of commercial fertilizers. Best of all, compost is cheap. You can make it
without spending a cent. Using compost improves soil structure, texture, and
aeration and increases the soil’s water-holding capacity. About one third of
the space in landfills is taken up with organic waste from our yards and
kitchens, just the type of material that can be used in compost. With a small
investment in time, you can contribute to the solution to a community problem,
while at the same time enriching the soil and improving the health of the
plants on your property.