I hope the chooks settle in for you Obelixx. We’ve thought about getting some, but we don’t eat very many eggs and we’d have to be careful about foxes, so not really worth the effort.
As reminded by Beechgrove this week, I have started a leaf compost pile. I usually do a bin or rubble bag but thought I’d try an old-fashioned heap this year. It’s next to the Hedgehog Hotel, so they can use the leaves there if they prefer a more rustic abode.
I had a look today at my leaf mould I made last year @AuntyRach . I've got no proper leaf drop in this garden, so I collected some from nearby. I'm sure folk must have thought I was bonkers. It's breaking down quite well. In a builder's bag. I used to have a wire mesh heap in a previous garden as we head a couple of very suitable mature trees. It's even better when you go over them with the mower - quicker. I think it was a bit late for me to do that last time. Grass wouldn't have appreciated it either. I've been tomato wrangling, gate sorting, and potting on cuttings. I had a nice wee walk, and we now have a casserole in the oven, courtesy of youngest. There's still loads of toms but I doubt they'll ripen well enough. Could have done with them a month ago, but that's the way of it. You'll be looking forward to all the eggs @Obelixx. I'm very envious. I hope they do well for you. Lovely to be able to give those poor wee souls a nice life
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Most of my leaves come from 4 large Beech trees, so take about 3 years to properly rot down, but when they do, the results are fantastic. I find mixing a bit of grass in with them, speeds up the process.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
We definitely have a Mother Clucker @Fairygirl - more adventurous, more chatty - and 2 more who are a braver than the 3 who have yet to come out from under the bench and show their faces. We also have a 3rd egg so Possum and I will have scrambled egg on toast for breakfast tomorrow. OH will be out playing golf - far too early.
We have large walnut trees here and their leaves take forever to break down but the ones we collected in our first autumn here are about ready now but that's after I got OH to tip them into an empty compost bin last spring and add some grass and water. In time I shall have pawlonia, liriodendron and robinia leaves to add but they're all a bit small just now. Lots of other trees to come too and now OH has a "walking" power mower with a grass collector it's easier to gather and mince leaves for faster composting.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Managed not to get blown away yesterday though it wasn't as bad here as others had it. Yes we have heating on for the first time, though only background, as the back of the house is almost due south, if there is any sun we warm up well anyway. @punkdoc I am very surprised about your flu jab, we got an email but thought we would wait for the rush to be over (we are not in vulnerable category) then yesterday GP receptionist rang us & offered us 1pm today, so we went. There was a constant stream of people in & out with 2 nurses doing the biz so no shortages here.
My leaves are almost exclusively Ash, and they take about 2 years for a mulch and 3 for finer compost. I could easily add some grass clippings so might try that - thanks Punkdoc.
P.S. Suddenly all the SM home delivery slots are full again, nothing for over a week!
Thought that might happen.
It’s unfair on people who actually rely on the slots. I have to take my hospital germs to the supermarket and then to my parent/parent-in-law because of this.
It's really thoughtless of people if they don't need a home delivery, but perhaps they think it's better than being in close contact with lots of other folk. Who knows. Not great for people in your position @AuntyRach I might try mixing some grass clippings too, but I'm not sure the grass will get another cut this year. Will remember for next time though @punkdoc
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
It's breaking down quite well. In a builder's bag. I used to have a wire mesh heap in a previous garden as we head a couple of very suitable mature trees. It's even better when you go over them with the mower - quicker. I think it was a bit late for me to do that last time. Grass wouldn't have appreciated it either.
I've been tomato wrangling, gate sorting, and potting on cuttings. I had a nice wee walk, and we now have a casserole in the oven, courtesy of youngest. There's still loads of toms but I doubt they'll ripen well enough. Could have done with them a month ago, but that's the way of it.
You'll be looking forward to all the eggs @Obelixx. I'm very envious. I hope they do well for you. Lovely to be able to give those poor wee souls a nice life
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I find mixing a bit of grass in with them, speeds up the process.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
We have large walnut trees here and their leaves take forever to break down but the ones we collected in our first autumn here are about ready now but that's after I got OH to tip them into an empty compost bin last spring and add some grass and water. In time I shall have pawlonia, liriodendron and robinia leaves to add but they're all a bit small just now. Lots of other trees to come too and now OH has a "walking" power mower with a grass collector it's easier to gather and mince leaves for faster composting.
@punkdoc I am very surprised about your flu jab, we got an email but thought we would wait for the rush to be over (we are not in vulnerable category) then yesterday GP receptionist rang us & offered us 1pm today, so we went. There was a constant stream of people in & out with 2 nurses doing the biz so no shortages here.
I might try mixing some grass clippings too, but I'm not sure the grass will get another cut this year. Will remember for next time though @punkdoc
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...