It's hard for us to accept that summer is gone forever.Therefore, as soon as sunny weather happens, we go to the garden to enjoy the last warm moments this year.Unfortunately, stronger and more frequent gusts of wind will not let us sit still. Leaves falling from trees appear almost everywhere: on the bench in our beloved place of relaxation, and on the stairs leading to the house. So we grab the rake as soon as possible to tidy them up. Or maybe completely unnecessary?
Fallen leaves should be systematically removed from the lawn, but if they appear under trees or shrubs, the plants will only do it for good.Such a natural cover will not only protect them from frost, but also enrich the soil with valuable elements and minerals.Fallen leaves are also particularly undesirable in the pond, because they pollute the water during decomposition.
Remember to collect the leaves when they are dry and not in the morning, because then there is dew on them. For this procedure, it is best to use a rake, which should extend downwards and have flat spikes. Both the collected leaves and the dry twigs should be composted.Thanks to this, we will obtain a valuable fertilizer, for which all our flowering and fruiting children in the garden will be especially grateful for.Birch, ash, elm, hornbeam, maple, poplar and linden leaves are ideal for compost and for mulching.
Leaves and twigs can also be used as natural cover. Let's lay them out on all plants that are sensitive to cold, as well as herbs grown in pots that need to overwinter outside. Thanks to this simple procedure, we will protect their delicate roots, shoots and leaves from the destructive effects of snow and wind. In spring, when the danger of frost is over, remove the covers.
1. Cut thin, dry branches from trees or shrubs and dry parts of perennials with a pruner.
2. Place dry shoots and branches in the shredder.The obtained chips can be used for compost or for mulching material.
3. Sprinkle mulch from shredded twigs around the plants in the amount of 40-80 g per square meter. It enriches the soil with organic matter and nutrients, and protects sensitive species from frost.In addition, it will limit the growth of weeds and retain water by slowing down its evaporation.
Oak leaves are rich in tannic acids and decompose very slowly.However, it is worth being patient, because the humic soil obtained from them has a low pH and is perfect for growing all those plants that prefer the acidic reaction of the soil.
So if we have rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and blueberry shrubs in our garden, or if we want hydrangeas to bloom blue, be sure to get a soil rich in humus.In autumn, fallen oak leaves can also be evenly spread around plants that feel good in acidic soil.
Always green herbs grown in containers, such as thyme, sage and lavender, can suffer from frost.
In winter, their roots freeze and leaves deteriorate due to contact with rainfall.To prevent this, place the containers with plants in a shady place and cover the pots with a screen made of bamboo poles. Put the fallen leaves on top.
Plants sensitive to cold, such as the Lindheimer gaura, should also be reliably protected against frosty, gusty winds for the winter.It is perfect for dressing conifers and covering the plant with fallen leaves.