Better way to make shredded leaf mulch?
jugglerguy
12 years ago
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kittens
12 years agojoepyeweed
12 years agoRelated Discussions
is there an easier/better way to get leaves out of mulch
Comments (5)I'm looking for some advise in establishing a new perennial bed along a picket fence that is approx. 8-10 ft. from an oak tree. Although the shade is a real treat & opens many new options to me here in Florida, my problem being the ground is very difficult to cultivate due to loads of fine "feeder" roots under the soil. I am thinking I may be able to just boarder with rocks & raise the bed, which I am sure will also give my new plants a much better chance at success. Can I get some advise as to if weed block or black plastic should be used to keep the weeds (little trees) to a minimum if so, what depth should the bed be raised to so that the new plant roots are above the feeder roots & will it be necessary to add gravel etc. for drainage?...See MoreShredded leaves for mulch?
Comments (18)Personally I find shredding leaves to be a waste of energy. They do not work for me as a mulch that stays put unless you fence them in or pile something heavier on top of them. They're best in veggie gardens or perennial gardens that won't be cut back until spring so there's something to catch the leaves. I have too many leaves and not enough patience to shred them anymore. If you want to do that, you could use a mower with a bag attachment, a string trimmer in a garbage barrel, a leaf blower/mulcher or a dedicated leaf shredder. Leaves are a great (and free) organic additive to your soil though, so you should find a way to use them. I prefer to compost as many as I can (whole) and use them after they've broken down. That's so much easier. What falls on my beds stays there and I'll either work them into the soil come early spring or add them to my compost piles. I'll compost the perennials that have died back, too. While leaves are a good insulator, I agree with the matting comment and too many aren't a good thing. Any heavy accumulations of leaves should be raked out or spread around before it snows....See MoreDo you make leaf mulch?
Comments (2)I make huge amounts of leaf mulch and compost throughout the summer and now into fall. I'm just using up the last of the OPBL I collected last year (OPBL = other peoples' bagged leaves; must have had well over 100 bags). I'm lucky to own a MacKissic shredder and that makes the job easier and faster. The leaves break down much more quickly when shredded, but I have long-term leaf mold piles as well. (I'm a bit obsessive about it all, ha, but there are worse obsessions). Happy mulch-making. GaryStPaul...See MoreBacterial leaf spot, is there a better way, or overkill?
Comments (10)Hey esox, thx for chiming in, all feedback is welcome and gives me more ideas to brainstorm. The middle plants were getting the same sun, and at that point probably a similar amount of circulation since there was still space between the plants. I caught it this year earlier and before all the canopies connected, like they are now. It may be perception but it seems like the infection can cross a air-span of 6 inches to a foot (wind/rain), unless i'm wrong and it was being pulled in from the roots in those instances. I'm suspecting that there was either an infected spot there in the soil, or those plants were infected right from seed and waited for hot/rainy stressful weather to overcome the plant's immune system. It could also be dragged in via pants and shoes and maybe last years gardening tools unfortunately ( i don't recall disinfecting everything from last year). The stuff is pretty contagious from what i've been reading and experiencing....See Morejugglerguy
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