Autumn in my garden is when trees give their ticker tape welcome to winter. - Densey Clyne We are entering that beautiful time of year where we have an abundance of gorgeous colors on the trees. That in combination with the brisk, cool air, makes November my favorite time of year. Soon all those lovely leaves will end up on our lawns. Leaves are a rich source of the minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium) that trees pull from deep underground. Did you know that pound for pound, leaves contain twice the mineral content of manure? The huge amount of organic matter they offer can be used to improve the soil. It can lighten heavy clay soils, which we have in Dallas, and increase the moisture retention of dry sandy soils. Today, we will cover some of the options available for using leaves to improve your soil. Do not pass up this opportunity for a free soil amendment! Option 1: COMPOST LEAVES If you are not already composting, now is a good time to start! Rake or blow your leaves into loose piles. If you want to speed up decomposition, mow over the leaves a few times with your lawn mower. Mix a shovelful of soil in each layer of leaves to introduce helpful microorganisms to the pile. Leaves are high in carbon but low in nitrogen, so it helps to add a source of nitrogen like grass clippings to help feed the bacteria that will breaking down the leaves. Dead plants from the garden that were not diseased or infested with insects can be added to the pile along with kitchen scraps. If you are interested in learning more about composting, sign up for a consultation. Option 2: MAKE MULCH Shredded leaves also make a good mulch. Blow them into your flower beds and under trees and shrubs while mowing. We cover our vegetable garden with a layer of chopped leaves to keep the soil from washing away over the winter. The best time to mulch perennials is after the first hard freeze, so put aside another pile of shredded leaves to use later in the winter. Option 3: TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT AND STILL IMPROVE THE SOIL! Don’t want to rake or blow your leaves at all? Mowing leaves and leaving them on your lawn improves the soil, lessening the need for fertilizer in the spring. Set your mower blade 3 inches high and mow once a week while the leaves are falling. As long as you don’t have excessive leaf cover, do not be concerned. Mowed leaves feed worms, fungi, and soil bacteria. It's a win-win!
Also, check out our Products page to buy seeds in preparation for the spring. Peppers especially grow well indoors in containers throughout the winter. They can be then be transplanted to your garden in spring to give your garden a great head start.
Happy holidays!
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