To rake or not to rake........that is my question
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avs0020 Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree


Joined: 24 Sep 2008 Posts: 95 Location: Kerry
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Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 8:04 pm Post subject: To rake or not to rake........that is my question |
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Hi folks. Not sure where to post this query. My question relates to the clearing of autumn leaves. Some experts say leave them as mulch and protection from frost. Others say its a source of disease.
Is the dispute related to the area. Obviously I'll rake up the leaves on the path but is it ok to leave in the shrubbery and rose beds?
I've also been told to put th eleaves in black bags and let them rot down and eventually add it to the compost. Is this ok if there is an argument that its a source of disease.
Appreciate any advice on the best use for fallen leaves.
Thanks |
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Sive Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 1731 Location: Co.Wexford
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Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:25 pm Post subject: |
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Your leaves will make lovely leaf mould, so put them into black bags, and make some holes in the bags. Pop them somewhere out of sight for a year.
Monty Don on tonight's gardener's world on BBC also suggested sweeping leaves under your hedges where they will give cover to insects and small mammals over the winter. |
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kindredspirit Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood

Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 2300 Location: Mid-west.
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Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 9:22 am Post subject: |
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I don't see what harm leaving them in the shrubbery and your rose beds will do. The worms will eventually pull them underground and condition the soil.
I'm finding that the best mulch of all for suppressing weeds is leaf mould. Better than bark chips. I use a builders' one ton bag, stuff all the leaves into it, poss them all down and when they congeal, you have a lovely mulch. You'd have to leave leaves a long while to get decent compost. They're a little bit slow in changing themselves into compost but eventually they do. _________________ .
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A little garden in Co. Limerick. Some non-gardening photographs. |
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James Kilkelly Rank: Site Admin

Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 2173 Location: West of Ireland
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Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 2:58 pm Post subject: Re: To rake or not to rake........that is my question |
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Quote: | Hi folks. Not sure where to post this query. My question relates to the clearing of autumn leaves. Some experts say leave them as mulch and protection from frost. Others say its a source of disease.
is it ok to leave in the shrubbery and rose beds?
I've also been told to put th eleaves in black bags and let them rot down and eventually add it to the compost. Is this ok if there is an argument that its a source of disease.
Appreciate any advice on the best use for fallen leaves.
Thanks |
Everybody seems to be on the same page here regarding the uses of leaves
avs0020.
I have black bagged leaves and blown leave into the base of hedges for years without any disease setbacks.
I will say however that it is important to rake up the withered rose leaves and petals that litter your beds and borders, as these can act as a breeding ground for the blackspot fungus.
Disposal by burning is preferred.
Here is an article I wrote on the whole autumn/winter leaf subject a while back........ Fiery Autumn leaves, admire them, collect them and bag them.
I hope it helps. _________________ Gardening books.
http://www.allotments.ie/ Ireland's allotments.
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avs0020 Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree


Joined: 24 Sep 2008 Posts: 95 Location: Kerry
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Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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Great advice from you all, Thanks so much |
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