Mulching with leaves after frost


Due to illness, I didn't get to finish winter preparations this year. I've gathered a few big bags of leaves, but I haven't spread them around my beds, and the hard frost is here (-6-7°C now). No snow. Will be -1°C next week. Is it still beneficial if I spread the leaves around now as mulch? And should I water them in?We have uneven winters with both frost and thawing in periods usually. I'll be mowing them first.Thanks in advance!

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