Today I finished last year’s fall cleanup! Not a moment too soon either, in a few short months leaves will start falling again.
Let me explain, normally I use a leaf blower to blow the leaves onto the grass then shred them with a lawnmower. However, last year I decided to go Old School and rake the leaves.
Raking is more work but much more satisfying. Raking leaves is easier in the spring because they are matted, hence, easier to pick up.
I use a five tine manure fork to pick up the heavy leaves then rake them into a pile. Once in a pile, I use the five tine manure fork again. One more pass of the rake, then I use two rakes as a claw for the rest.
Benefits of Mulching Leaves in gardens
I thought my gardens were going to be a mess. They were anything but!
Some benefits after letting leaves sit in the gardens all winter include.
- Fewer weeds.
- Soft and friable soil.
- Tons of earthworm activity.
If you’re a gardener you must be drooling over how nice this soil is and if you’re not a gardener this is what you want your soil to look like.
A New Paradigm for Fall Cleanup
Why do we clean up leaves in the garden, often disposing of them off-site, only to haul in mulch?
What if I run a mulching mower over the beds and let the leaves stay where they are? This will also eliminate cutting back many perennials.
Below is my compost pile. I’ve got about six yards of compost that will become two to three yards of gorgeous soil.
A wheelbarrow of leaves ready for the compost pile.
Less work with more benefits!