2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Autumn is the time of falling leaves. At this time, there is enough work, especially to remove fallen leaves. But what to do with it then? Many people think that this is just garbage that needs to be thrown away or burned somewhere. However, fallen leaves can be beneficial to the garden and home. Here are some suggestions on how to use them rationally on the farm
Compost
Leaves release carbon as they decompose, so they are essential for building a compost heap. So at the same time you can clean the territory of your yard and prepare the garden for a long winter. Fallen leaves by themselves, as a rule, do not contain nutrients, therefore they are not used as fertilizer. But their conditioning properties can hardly be overestimated. You can collect the leaves using a fan or lawn rake. By the way, the assembly can be carried out in wet weather, which, as you know, in the autumn period is not uncommon. Fallen leaves are also suitable for container or potted plants.
Leaf humus
This is a truly amazing piece of equipment, indispensable for use in any garden. The leaves decompose on their own, after which a crumbly mass is obtained, which outwardly resembles compost. Leaf humus will not bring any special nutrients, but it will be able to improve the structure of the soil and retain life-giving moisture in it. In addition, all kinds of useful organisms develop in it.
Mulch
With the help of fallen leaves, you can cover a useful mulching layer that can suppress harmful weeds, and in the process of decomposition, feed the soil. But first, the foliage will need to be processed. As you know, a dense layer of moist leaves creates a strong mat, and thereby blocks the soil from getting water and air into it. This cannot be allowed. Chop the leaves, this will create a delicate pillow that slowly settles over time. The only inconvenience is that in windy weather, small dust will rise and fly away. Therefore, when laying out the mulch, tamp it well.
Storage of plants and vegetables
Fallen leaves are used by many gardeners as insulation for delicate plants. In addition, she will help with the storage of vegetables. If you want to protect already planted plants from the coming cold weather, throw compost on them and gently level it. If you have a cellar or basement for storing vegetables, do not use newspapers or sawdust, but fallen leaves. From time to time it must be turned over so that it does not rot. Many owners consider this method of storing their harvest to be the most optimal.
Natural aesthetics
Just walk over them with a lawn mower and let them stay on your lawn. To prevent them from “strangling” the grass, mow this area several times during the fall, preferably in dry weather. The crushed leaves will simply disappear into the ground. By the way, fallen foliage gives great aesthetic pleasure when you look at it while walking along the paths of the garden.
Soil improvement
Fallen leaves are a good alternative to manure bags. The fact is that the leaves are in excellent contact with the soil and are an excellent organic fertilizer. After they begin to decompose, earthworms and other useful organisms will begin to multiply in them. The leaves can be mixed with any green waste, compost, fertilizer, or other material used to fill tall beds. There are a lot of methods for improving the soil with the help of fallen leaves, and each gardener can easily select the most suitable one for himself. So, thanks to several deciduous trees or shrubs, you can significantly improve the soil on the site.
Dry decor
We all know perfectly well how beautiful golden and reddish leaves look on trees in autumn. They do not lose their attractiveness even after they fall off. Collect the most beautiful leaves in your opinion and decorate your home. In addition, they are indispensable for various floristic compositions. Making crafts from beautiful leaves is an exciting activity and wonderful leisure time not only for young children, but also for adults.
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