Reprint from November 8, 2022
Last of two parts
Last week we read in part one, that fallen leaves assist gardes with nutrients. Here is part two:
‘“For gardeners, turning leaves into solid waste is wasteful. Fallen leaves offer a double benefit,’ Mizejewski wrote. ‘Leaves form a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and fertilizes the soil as it breaks down. Why spend money on mulch and fertilizer when you can make your own?’
“Removing leaves eliminates vital wildlife habitat. Critters ranging from turtles and toads to birds, mammals, and invertebrates rely on leaf litter for food, shelter and nesting material. Many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in Spring.
‘“Need one more reason to leave the leaves? ‘The less time you spend raking leaves,’ Mizejewski said, ‘the more time you’ll have to enjoy the gorgeous Fall weather and the wildlife that visits your garden.
‘“What should you do with all those fallen leaves you’re not sending to the landfill? Here are some tips:
- Let leaves stay where they fall. They won’t hurt your lawn if you chop them with a mulching mower.
- Rake leaves off the lawn to use as mulch in garden beds. For finer-textured mulch, shred them first.
- Let leaf piles decompose; the resulting leaf mold can be used as a soil amendment to improve structure and water retention.
- Make compost: Combine fallen leaves (‘brown material’) with grass clippings and other ‘green material’ and keep moist and well mixed. You’ll have nutrient-rich compost to add to your garden next Spring.
- Still too many leaves? Share them with neighbors, friends, schools and others. Some communities will pick up leaves and make compost to sell or give away.
- Build a brush shelter. Along with branches, sticks, and stems, leaves can be used to make brush piles that shelter native wildlife.
‘“For more wildlife-gardening tips, visit www.nwf.org/nwfgarden,” Mizejewski wrote.