The autumn colors are starting to arrive, with it will come the falling leaves. Each year we struggle with raking and disposing of all those leaves. How would you like to have a better garden next year using all of those autumn leaves?
Collecting leaves each fall has become a ritual for us. It is a simple, inexpensive (actually free), and excellent way to provide valuable organic nutrients to your garden. Says Jim and Mary from Old World Garden.
Collecting fall leaves for making compost or protecting you garden soil are great ways to get rid of the leaves and get free food for your garden.
Turn Those Leaves Into Great Compost
Leaves are the perfect choice for creating a great fall compost pile! And making compost this fall means you will have plenty of “black gold” on hand for planting time next spring!
Creating A Cover Crop With Fall’s Bounty
If your garden doesn’t already have a cover crop, then create a natural one with a thick layer of leaves. Just like a planted cover crop, a thick coating can keep your garden soil from being exposed to harsh winter rains, snow and wind. Without protection, that exposure can whisk away the top layer of your valuable top soil.
Shred And Store For Next Year
We store extra leaves in our homemade corn crib bin in the garden
While you are out there collecting – be sure to get enough to use next year as well! Along with the compost bins in the back of our garden, we keep a small storage area just for shredded leaves. That way, we have plenty on hand next year to use as a mulch around young plants, or to create more compost.
So go collect some leaves and have a better garden next year.
And if you don’t have any trees on you property, You probably have neighbors who will be happen to get rid of them. You might not want to tell them your secret or they may charge you for them. 🙂
