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Leaf mulch or mature compost?

LynfromSeaLynfromSea Posts: 133
in The potting shed
Can anyone advise me on when is the best time to use the above? I have some wonderful leaf mulch, which I believe is best for giving texture to the soil but doesn’t supply nutrients whereas the compost would. So the question is which one should I use first?

Posts

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Some plants are particularly fond of leaf mould - hardy cyclamen, for example.  Any plant whose native home is woodland will appreciate it as a mulch.  It increases water retention if you dig it into the soil, which could be useful if we get another dry summer...
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    I mix them both up and in with the soil anytime of year as general organic matter to loosen up my heavy soil, but reserve some pure oak leaf mould for my soft fruit.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • LynfromSeaLynfromSea Posts: 133
    Thank you all for your helpful comments.
    I decided to put all my leaf mould around the cyclamen and bulbs under the trees and shrubs and the other compost will do for the rest.
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