Should I Use Fallen Leaves as Mulch for My Flower Beds?
Asked by SunnyGardener92
Good morning! I'm considering mulching my flower beds before the colder weather sets in. In the spring, I used some composted fine bark for this. Now, I'm noticing a lot of fallen leaves accumulating on the beds. I'm curious if those leaves can serve as mulch on their own, or if I should layer the fine bark on top of them. Would it be better to remove the leaves first and then add the mulch? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers
Definitely let those leaves stay! They’re a natural form of mulch. If you have a lot of leaves, consider bagging them and saving them for later. They can turn into great leaf mold which worms will love, helping to improve your soil's health.
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You can certainly leave the leaves as they will break down and enrich the soil. But if you're after potting compost, consider composting those leaves separately!
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It's best if you mulched after some rain to lock in moisture. If the leaf layer is thin, keep it, but if it’s heavy, bag them up. You could also add a bulk bag of soil conditioner about 3 inches thick for extra benefits.
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I suggest leaving the leaves as they are and then adding more mulch on top. The thickness of the mulch can vary based on your location, but aiming for at least 1cm or 2cm is a good start.
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I totally agree, keep the leaves! They’ll break down faster if you chop them into smaller pieces, which makes it easier for worms to do their thing. If you can, use a leaf vac for this.
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NatureLover88: Exactly! Plus, if you collect street leaves from your area, it's a perfect way to recycle what the council would otherwise incinerate.