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Where to put the leaves?

jyang949's picture

Where to put the leaves? (post #19425)

jyang949 on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 08:24 (updated 12/01/11 - 12:24) 
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This year I'd like to use the fallen leaves to improve the soil. The fact that removing the leaves from the beds is a LOT of work is a big motivation.  :)  However, there are 'way too many for our cone-type composter to process.

I want to let the leaves stay where they fell, then dig them into the ground in the spring. However, my husband thinks that they won't be usable after only one winter, and we'll end up having to clear them away anyway, plus it will be more work because the leaves will be wet and heavy. 

What do you do with your leaves?

Janet

Northern NJ, zone 6a.

-A +A
KimmI's picture

What to do with leaves (post #19425, reply #1 of 3)

by KimmI in reply to jyang949 [original] on Fri, 12/02/2011 - 04:40

The lkeaves that fell on the lawn have been mulch mowed into the lawn and the earthworms have been busy doing what earthworms do with shredded leaves. Leaves that fell on or were blown into planting beds are still there,part of the mulch that goes on those beds along with more shredded leaves.  The leaves that fall from your trees contain valuable nutrients that are better used in your planitng beds, or lawn, and sahould not be thrown away for any reason.

The sign of a good gardener is brown knees, not a green thumb.

jyang949's picture

Did you buy a leaf (post #19425, reply #2 of 3)

by jyang949 in reply to KimmI [original] on Fri, 12/02/2011 - 05:43

Did you buy a leaf shredder?

Janet

KimmI's picture

What to do with the leaves (post #19425, reply #3 of 3)

by KimmI in reply to jyang949 [original] on Sat, 12/03/2011 - 04:45

I have a large, 8 hp, chipper/shredder and a much smaller leaf blower/vacuum that I use along with my mowers. Using due care your rotary mower can do a decent job of shredding those leaves.

The sign of a good gardener is brown knees, not a green thumb.