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TI DY- MINDED gardeners will soon take part in the annual frenzy of raking, piling and disposing of leaf litter. Some may even shatter weekend peace with noisy leaf blowers.
But far from doing harm, fallen leaves are part of the natural recycling process. Nutrients and organic matter are returned to the ground via decaying foliage. So leaves don’t need urgent removal unless they’re causing damage or inconvenience.
So here’s my plan for lazy leaf control. Keep clearing leaves where they cause problems. Don’t let them smother small plants such as Alpines. Sweep them from paving, since they can be ass slippery as banana skins.
Leaves lying on lawns do no o damage unless drifts of them m are left to rot. So there’s noo need to rake up until mostt have fallen. If there are lots of f trees in or near your garden, n, you’ll need to rake severalal times. With lighter coverings, s, wait until all have fallen. Piles s of leaves may be signs off hedgehogs preparing forr hibernation, so be wary.
I allow fallen leaves under r shrubs to decay naturally. In n my woodland garden theyy recycle themselves, rottingg where they lie. That helps to o sustain woodland flowers.
It’s best to save and com- post raked-up leaves, if youu can. But they’re slow to rott unless kept damp. Sprinkle a little general fertiliser or garden soil into the heap.