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Transform autumn garden leaves into nutrient-rich soil with leaf mulching and leaf mould – a sustainable approach through zero-waste techniques.
During autumn many people feel overwhelmed by the huge amounts of fallen leaves in their gardens, not realising the potential it brings. In just a few simple steps these leaves can be turned into leaf mulch or leaf mould, which are a valuable resource to the soil health in your garden beds. Keeping away weeds, insulation, retaining moisture as well as releasing many nutrients into the soil are just some of the benefits you can generate. Your plants will stay protected during winter and come out of dormancy strong and healthy. Read on to find out more about this underappreciated resource called "fallen leaves".
Leaf mulch describes shredded, fluffy leaves, that are applied to the soil and left there to decompose. In the process the soil and therefore the plants enjoy the many benefits the mulch brings them.
Leaf mould describes leaf mulch, that has been broken down slowly by fungi, bacteria and earthworms. This soil-like compost makes a wonderful natural soil improver. It takes at least a year for leaves to turn into moist, crumbly mould, so don't delay creating this valuable garden material.
Leaf mulch not only provides insulation throughout the winter months and surpresses weeds, but also helps to retain moisture, which helps your plant to come out of dormancy during early spring. In addition leaf mulch invites beneficial fungi, called mycorrhizae, that live in symbiosis with plant roots and help them to absorb minerals. Plants that have mycorrhizae cope better with stressful growing conditons and drought. But also further nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) are being released through the use of leaf mulch and beneficial insects, like worms, are being invited to come in.
It’s best to mix leaves of a similar type together so they break down at the same speed.
Deciduous trees such as birch ash, beech, oak, poplar and willow with their small, thin leaves rot more quickly than the large leathery type you get from horse chestnut, sycamore, maple, hawthorn and magnolia.
Evergreens like holly and laurel, and conifers with their waxy, resin-coated needles, take even longer to break down and will need shredding before being added to the pile.
It's really simple to make leaf mould. All you have to do is break up the dry, fallen leaves into fluffy shreddings. Use a lawnmower with a collecting bag, like the Collector 136e Kit, to just walk over the area where the fallen leaves lie or opt for the vacuum blower VS 100e Kit, if you prefer a hand held tool. Another option is to rake the leaves into a pile and shed them in the electric chipper Bio Master 2200.
Apply handfuls of leaf mulch around the perimeter of your plants, making sure to cover the base of the plant well. Almost like providing a blanket. Use the mulch in your vegetable gardens, around trees, shrubs or any plant you want to nourish and protect.
Be sure to stay away from the trunk, when applying mulch. You only mulch the root system, not the stems and trunks, as this can cause disease and infection.
Leaf mulch is an often overlooked resource. While there are some ground rules when it comes to applying it correctly, it is highly recommended to not waste all those benefits that fallen leaves can bring to your garden. Shred them and give them back to the roots!
