I'm trying to find the best way to manage fallen leaves in my garden. I want to preserve them for any critters that need to overwinter, but I also need to make sure they don't interfere with my garden plans. My thought is to rake the leaves from the garden beds soon after they fall, so critters don't settle in too much. I'd then leave the leaves spread out rather than piled up. In spring, I would rake them up to mulch and add them to my compost. What do you think? How warm should it be before I disturb the leaves, and does this sound like a good plan?
1 Answer
It's a good idea to keep the leaves until the nightly lows are consistently above 50°F (10°C). Insects and small animals will start using those leaves really quickly once they fall, so try to rake them and spread them where you want them soon after. If you wait too long, they might establish nests, and you risk disturbing or harming any hibernating creatures. Just keep an eye on the temperatures!
I've heard that waiting for about five consecutive days above 50 degrees is pretty solid advice, especially in the northeast. I moved mine a little early and didn't see many bugs around, so I think I did alright!