I like the idea of shoving them in a big pile, but I would certainly have to put some sort of enclosure around them because it gets darned windy in Flintshire-on-the-Hill. I guess I could set up a special wire-fenced "leaf compound" behind the shed.
Don't think I can cope with the look of them--sorry, worms. Running a mower over to shred them is an interesting idea and I do have a blower, though its so loud that it gives me a headache within seconds of hitting the On button.
Last Nov we piled the leaves on the lawn, ran over them with the lawnmower, then put them in a chicken wire enclosure. Checked it last week and was amazed to find perfect leaf mould. However, it didn't half leave a mess on the lawn with all the tiny bits that I couldn't sweep up. I would love to have a leaf mulcher that you can just chuck the leaves into, but they only seem to be available in US. The shredders you buy in UK seem to cope with branches, but leaves get clogged. Am tempted to try the "chuck them in a bin and strim them" method, especially with the builders' sack full of rhodi leaves I collected yesterday.
Hostafan, I'm about to take delivery of several bulk bags of gravel, sand and topsoil, and I've been reading up on making leaf mould today so your comment is very pertinent! Anything special I'd need to do with the bags? Leave open? Water inside? Punch holes? Etc
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
4 sticks and chicken wire...I might well already have those makings in the shed. I'll check today and might even embark on constructing my leaf enclosure this weekend.
Unfortunately my kids are now grown up and would probably duff me up if I suggested they sully their hands by picking up dirty old leaves, but once the Fall begins I should be able to manage with several half hour breaks each day for butties and tea.
I use a wide plastic rake with big tines so it doesn't mess up the grass and then they are straight in the compost bin. Sometimes we just mow and the bag picks them all up then they can go straight in the compost.
We have to find a good use for leaves here as our garden is basically woodland.
when you say you put the leaves in to your compost bin, does that bin contain normal homemade compost aswell
The reason I ask is that, as a rule, you do not normally mix large amount of discarded leaves with normal bin compost as the break down of the leave structure takes a longer period to complete compared to normal ingredients you place in your compost bin.
I've made the leaf enclosure and now I just have to wait for the leaves to fall...(taps foot)....taking their time, aren't they?
Whilst I'm here, one more, unrelated query. We have an Achillea Moonshine which is about five feet tall, and the blooms are just starting to turn brown. Should it be cut right down ground level?
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I like the idea of shoving them in a big pile, but I would certainly have to put some sort of enclosure around them because it gets darned windy in Flintshire-on-the-Hill. I guess I could set up a special wire-fenced "leaf compound" behind the shed.
Don't think I can cope with the look of them--sorry, worms. Running a mower over to shred them is an interesting idea and I do have a blower, though its so loud that it gives me a headache within seconds of hitting the On button.
Lots to chew on there, thanks.
4 sticks and some chicken wire and you have the perfect "holder" for the fallen leaves. Leave 'em for a year or so and bingo, fab mulch
I find child labour is the best way for collection
one of those builders' dumpy sacks works wonders too
Last Nov we piled the leaves on the lawn, ran over them with the lawnmower, then put them in a chicken wire enclosure. Checked it last week and was amazed to find perfect leaf mould. However, it didn't half leave a mess on the lawn with all the tiny bits that I couldn't sweep up. I would love to have a leaf mulcher that you can just chuck the leaves into, but they only seem to be available in US. The shredders you buy in UK seem to cope with branches, but leaves get clogged. Am tempted to try the "chuck them in a bin and strim them" method, especially with the builders' sack full of rhodi leaves I collected yesterday.
Hostafan, I'm about to take delivery of several bulk bags of gravel, sand and topsoil, and I've been reading up on making leaf mould today so your comment is very pertinent! Anything special I'd need to do with the bags? Leave open? Water inside? Punch holes? Etc
4 sticks and chicken wire...I might well already have those makings in the shed. I'll check today and might even embark on constructing my leaf enclosure this weekend.
Unfortunately my kids are now grown up and would probably duff me up if I suggested they sully their hands by picking up dirty old leaves, but once the Fall begins I should be able to manage with several half hour breaks each day for butties and tea.
Thanks again, all.
I use a wide plastic rake with big tines so it doesn't mess up the grass and then they are straight in the compost bin. Sometimes we just mow and the bag picks them all up then they can go straight in the compost.
We have to find a good use for leaves here as our garden is basically woodland.
Lou12
Hi
when you say you put the leaves in to your compost bin, does that bin contain normal homemade compost aswell
The reason I ask is that, as a rule, you do not normally mix large amount of discarded leaves with normal bin compost as the break down of the leave structure takes a longer period to complete compared to normal ingredients you place in your compost bin.
You may already know this but just in case
Lib. Gar.
I cut / "mow" under the trees in our wood just once a year after leaf fall.
It's a mix of fallen leaves, grass and stinging nettles and it rots down wonderfully.
If you gathering just dry leaves, I'd add water .
Go back and have a look after a few weeks and see if it might need a bit more.
I've made the leaf enclosure and now I just have to wait for the leaves to fall...(taps foot)....taking their time, aren't they?
Whilst I'm here, one more, unrelated query. We have an Achillea Moonshine which is about five feet tall, and the blooms are just starting to turn brown. Should it be cut right down ground level?