[DIGGER]

This morning we have had delivered to the allotment a load of leaves with a note saying help yourself.
So I have.
I was in the process of shovelling into black plastic bags and was going to leave until next year.
Why dont you dig them straight in was the retort from fellow plot holders , I dont know I thought it took two years to decompose [is that the right word?] I replied.
Any clever clogs on here able to advise. :oops:

[richyrich7]

I ain't no clever clogs but thats what some of the old boys do on our plots and the soils lovely, we are lucky as the council dump the leaves for us and chippings

[digital_biscuit]

Not wanting to go off the topic, but we get loads of chippings delivered free, can i use these for anything???

[richyrich7]

Paths is probably the best bet, also as a water saving mulch.

[Aidy]

There was two reasons for not digging straight in and one of those is stuck somewhere swishing around with the beer, the other I was lead to believe is they use a lot of nitrogen to breakdown unless you can shred them very finely, leaf mould is better as a bulk product to be applied to the beds you want it in. If ever the second reason pops up I will let you know.

[DIGGER]

Think I will hold fire a bit on this one.

[richyrich7]

The nitrogen problem would only be a problem on land that's being grown on, if it's laying fallow over the winter I don't think it will be a problem to be honest.
After reading an article in an old GYO I think it's probably better to spread over the top after winter digging and let the worms do their stuff.

[garddwr]

so whats the best thing to do open a trench and dig in all the leaves or make leaf mould in a seperate bin similar to a compost bin ?

[richyrich7]

Leaf mould is supposed to be brilliant for seeds etc make it in a chicken wire bin so the elements get to it.

According to an article in GYO laying on the top's a good method as it limits the nitrogen robbery.

I've made my bean trenches for next year already and filled them with grass cuttings when the leaves come it will get a dose of that too  

Thing with gardening is there's nearly always a different angle on things so it's sometime a matter of what works for you.

[garddwr]

Is it best for the leaves to be dry or wet ?does it make a difference ?

[richyrich7]

Is it best for the leaves to be dry or wet ?does it make a difference ?

Can't see it will make much difference to be honest if they are dry they may blow around a little but will soon get wet over winter.

[SnooziSuzi]

I read/heard/made up somewhere that using leaves can turn your soil acidic.  is there any truth in this?

Personally, I'm looking forward to the leaves falling 'cos me, some black bin bags and my pick up truck will be kerb crawling to keep the streets clean!!!

[richyrich7]

I know conifer leaves can, but not sure about the rest. :?

[peterjf]

you can dig them straight in or let them stay in bags , the bags will rot down to lovelt seed compost

[BigPaddy]

There was two reasons for not digging straight in and one of those is stuck somewhere swishing around with the beer,

If beer says it is wrong I think it must be so.

Although leaves do seem to just rot down on the surface anyway don't they.