Post date: Nov 6, 2019 2:19:34 AM
The time to cover up the soil with mulch is back. I had asked that leaves be cleared and piled up in the fall. Here are the notes:
1. Winter is when bacterial activity is low and fungal activity is high. That means beautiful webs will be built in your soil to transport nutrition and kill harmful pests. Do not dig or disturb the soil.
2. Provide a thick cover like a blanket to the soil, to help all the beneficial activity that will go on below. Crushed dry leaves is your best choice.
3. Crushed dry leaves are soft, full of nutrition, and make the soil better. Add a 2 inch layer minimum. 4 inches is ideal.
4. Use the lawn mower to crush the leaves. Or invest in a leaf crusher. Crushed leaves decompose easily and hep the soil immensely.
5. Add whole leaves as is, if you have no crusher. Some leaves and some mulch is better than nothing at all.
6. If you plan to expand your garden, this is the time to order some wood mulch and spread it on the area you wish to develop. The soil below will be perfectly ready by spring.
7. Cover all your walkways and pathways with wood mulch. The weeds and grass below will die by spring.
8. Do not dig, turn or touch the soil through the winter. Allow the fungal networks to create and work for you.
9. If you have more dry leaves, crush and pile them to decompose further. If you had already piled them up early fall, take them out and spread as mulch.
10. Keep leaf piles and wood piles away from the house and in far away corners. Animals make homes in these piles for the winter.
Stay warm and keep your soil covered and warm.