

Now let’s get to Fall and foundations…

The Foundation of Soil…
Foundation of Fall Composting…

Shred the leaves with your mower and bag them for use on garden beds and in compost. Using shredded leaves instead of whole leaves is recommended because the smaller size of the leaves makes decomposition faster. If you want the leaves even more finely shred, mow the area once without the bagger and then a second time with the attachment.
Don’t forget that mulching fall leaves and leaving a thin layer on your lawn is an excellent nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Leaves are rich in carbon. In a compost pile, they help to balance the carbon-nitrogen ratio (kitchen scraps are high in nitrogen) that is needed. They also absorb excess moisture, helping to keep the pile from becoming soggy and smelly.

Mix shredded leaves and/or compost into the soil to enrich new or renovated garden beds. Doing this in the fall allows time for the leaves and compost to start decaying.
Written By: Teri Knight
Podcast Host: Garden Bite
Pin It for Later

1 comment. Leave new
If possible, PLEASE do not mow/shred your leaves! Many beneficial insects overwinter in leaf litter. Whenever possible it is best to leave them in place or use them as garden mulch outside of the compost pile. Here is a good sources of additional information on leaf management: https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/leaf-management-plan/