Sunday, 22 December 2019
Tuesday, 17 December 2019
Making and using leaf mould
Making and using leaf mould:
After collecting fallen leaves place them in a bin liner, moisten them if they are dry, then pierce holes in the
bag with a knife or garden fork, tie the top loosely and stack the bags out of
sight for up to two years.
Well-rotted leaf mould over two years old can be
used as seed-sowing compost, garden compost and good quality soil for use as
potting compost.
Leaf mould, less than two years old can be used as mulch,
a soil conditioner, or a winter covering for bare soil.
A quiet time of the year, but there is always something to do in the garden
December can
be a relatively quiet time on the garden but there are always a few jobs you
can be getting on with. For example:
Digging over
and prepare your soil for next year’s planting and growing season. At the same
time you can add organic matter such as well rotted manure and/or contents from
your compost bin.
Cleaning bird feeders, stock up on fat balls and making sure birds have access to fresh water.
Making a log pile or mini beast hotel which will help to provide
shelter for wildlife.
Washing, cleaning and servicing all of your garden tools and giving them a wipe with oil to help prevent
rusting.
Pruning and trimming fruit trees and hedging.
Turning over your compost heaps to let air in and
then covering them with a piece of old carpet or some plastic sheeting to prevent the compost becoming too cold and wet to rot down.
Collecting fallen leaves and
adding them to the compost bin and/or
save separately to make leaf mould.
Removing weeds and adding
them to the compost bin.
Clearing any fallen or diseased fruit.
And from the warmth and comfort of your armchair you could perhaps begin planning for next year.
And from the warmth and comfort of your armchair you could perhaps begin planning for next year.
