Post date: Oct 24, 2019 5:57:25 PM
Now that everyone is happily hunting for fall leaves, here are the tips to make the most of them:
1. Leaves provide carbon in the composting process carbon is the building block for most natural activity. You want the brown to become black. That is the objective.
2. This conversion will need some air, some moisture and some nitrogen. Without nitrogen, the leaves will decompose in years, drawing small amounts from the air. So, mix your leaves with kitchen waste, grass and garden trimmings, or manure. If it does not gross you out, the boys can pee discreetly on the pile to decompose it. Precious and sterile nitrogen, trust me. PS: My boys won’t do it.
3. Leaves decompose faster if they are crushed. Crushing also ensures good air circulation. Else leaves can rot from lying flat and compacted in a pile. If it smells good, your pile is doing good. On the first sign of rotting smell, turn and aerate your pile.
4. Make circular bins with hardware cloth and pile the crushed leaves inside them. Water if they go dry. No need to turn or toss. By spring they will all be composted.
5. You can leave leaf pile in the corner of the garden, provided it is crushed and kept together in a pile. When spread out, they are habitats for moths to lay eggs.
6. Brown leaves are used to build soil. I posted a note on Amrit mitti process. Will repost in spring when that activity can be done. You can spread them on your plant beds. As you spread leaves and compost, your soil will get better and better, soft fluffy and capable of holding moisture. Without leaves, you work with clay and keep adding store bought soil. Leaves are free!
7. Leaf mulch is an excellent seed starter. When you have to begin your next seasons seeds, make your own mix with compost and decomposed leaf mulch. Free, fresh and beautiful.
8. Leaf mulch is habitat for animals seeking warmth, to hibernate and to start a family. Moths to squirrels, moles to rabbits, snakes to snails, foxes to coyotes, they all seek shelter. Never plunge your hands into a leaf pile. Always rake to pull out leaves, use gloves and a leaf picking gloves with that extended contraption to pick up leaves.
9. Mulch your beds nice and thick with crushed leaves in winter. Provides warmth for all soil organisms. Do this in November (refer yesterday’s note) Your soils are protected beautifully and by spring you will find it teaming with earthworms.
10. Keep a big bin of leaves near your compost bin. Add them everyday to all your kitchen waste. Generously. Moisture is managed well, and you will get fluffy compost.
Summary: collect, crush, compost.