Fallen Leaves Into Gardener’s Gold

 How to make leaf mold

When autumn and leaves begin to fall down, you may be wondering what to do with all the leaves flying in the wind. Many gardeners see fallen leaves as a problem - something that needs to be trimmed. But successful organic gardeners are soon beginning to see these dead leaves as a boon rather than a hindrance to their existence. In our assets, we try to use this abundant natural resource. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare leaf fungus. This is a great way to use what nature has to offer.

Use fallen leaves in your garden

However, before we begin, it is necessary to think about the various ways in which fallen leaves can come in handy in the garden.

They can be used to create leaf axles, as well as fallen leaves:

To add fertility to the soil below, they need to lie down where they fall.

Elsewhere in the garden, a mulch is applied around mature trees and shrubs.

General compost is added to the pile or tank.

Raised 'lasagna' is used as a component in beds, where it can be composted in areas where uncut garden or sheet mulch grows.

Used in a range of arts or craft projects (by you or your children).

Preserved in beeswax for beautiful home decoration.

Should gardeners collect fallen leaves?

In an organic garden, it is important to remember that we should always try to understand and use the cycles of nature. The leaves that fall from the deciduous trees and shrubs are naturally on the surface of the soil below. There, the various organisms of the soil ecosystem begin to work, breaking them down and returning their nutrients to the upper soil, where they fertilize the soil structure and form fertile humus that feeds on the surrounding vegetation. When they break off, fallen leaves provide valuable habitat for many invertebrates and other organisms.

It is important to understand that it is not always necessary (or a good idea) to wipe away all the leaves that fall in your garden. Nature sometimes simply leaves the leaves to allow its course. Leaving some fallen leaves where they lie is often beneficial not only to the soil and plants but also to local wildlife.

Reasons for collecting fallen leaves

But collecting fallen leaves would be a good idea. For example:

Excessive leaves in the grassy area will avoid light, creating hollow patches or discolored areas.

Leaves on the path, driveway, or sidewalk can be slippery and dangerous.

The leaves that fall or fall into a pond turn it into sedimentary sludge and become full of rotten plants. Rotting plants can increase the nutrient balance of the pond. Therefore, it is best to remove excess leaf shedding before soaking in water.

If you have a lot of leaves to collect, leaf printing would be a good idea.

We collect leaves from our back garden - a loose and natural lawn forest - while lying in the fall in the forest garden/orchard.

Why make leaf mold?

Leaf mold is one of the best mulch or soil conditioners you can make. It can be used:

A mulch will keep the weeds down and reduce the evaporation of moisture from the soil.

As a soil conditioner, add fertility to your growing areas.

Use a pot mixer to grow your plants in containers.

Creating a leaf mold pot

There are various ways to create a pot or control area for your fallen leaves. You should try to use items that you already have on hand. In our garden, we used branches and a fence net to create a long and very short control tank against the existing fence. However, you can build a free tank using mesh and branches or cane or create a more sturdy and permanent structure with a wood frame or fencing stock.

Try to make sure you build a structure large enough to accommodate all the fallen leaves you want to collect from your property.

Do not use any leaves to make leaf mold

It is important to realize that not all leaves are created equal when making leaf mold.

Although the leaves of all deciduous trees work well, some thicker leaves, such as figs and horse chestnuts, take longer to break off. Shredding these thick leaves will help speed up the process.

You fear the very best quality leaf if you want to do, oak, peach, and hornbeam leaves are the best of all.