" The author of the following text is the reader of the magazine Przepis na Ogród - Andrzej Szewc from Tuchola. "
Autumn ishardworking sometimes cleaningraking fallen leaves first. The he althy ones, without any symptoms of damage or fungal diseases, always serve as a cover for plants that require protection againstwindandfrostDry leaves cover perennials and small shrubsAdditionally, I put branches on loosely made covers, so that the wind does not spread the cover.
I spend some of the collected leaves on the so-calledsoil leafythat anyone can prepare easily. I make a pile of leaves and cover it with a layer of earth.When it's dry, I pour water on it, and also translate it several times tospeed up decompositionAfter a while I have very good soil, rich inhumus ,permeableandlightI add it to the substrate of potted plants at home.
Since there is never a shortage of fallen leaves, I also use them for compost. I drop them into crates, mixed with grass withlast mowingandparts plantsIt is also good to add some nettles as they contain nitrogen which will enrich the compost. This createscheap fertilizerIt isnaturaland has no side effects. We also do not risk that the plants will receive too much of it. By the waycomposting autumn leavesI clean up the plot and get rid of all organic waste. Thanks to this, I have not onlyorder in the garden , but also a large amount of valuable humus in a short time.The resultingcompostis used to fertilize the cultivated flowers, vegetables and shrubs.
Higher plants, e.g.fertile roses , I do not cover with leaves or soil. Due to their size, I circle them with ladders. Thoroughly wrappingplants straw with a mat , tied with a string, is not only a good protection against frosty winds, but also interestingornament winter gardenI also cover rhododendrons with mats.
This Greenmill tilting pan trolley is perfect for carrying composted material and leaves:
Composting leaves
- The pile placed before winter must be turned over in spring. This is necessary because the leaves clump easily and the access of oxygen is difficult. After a few months, good-quality, slightly acidic leaf soil, suitable for example infor heathers. It is also suitable for strawberries, raspberries, currants or gooseberries.
- Some leaves, such as walnut and oak leaves, contain high levels of tannins. These are substances that slow the decomposition of the entire pile very much. Hence, leaves from these trees should be composted only in small amounts.
