This topic contains 17 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by charles 6 years, 3 months ago.
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Hello Even, that is a great offer of free leaves, and reasonably priced compost.
It depends how ‘finished’ the compost is, not hot and not too much wood visible in there. But it should serve for growing veg.
As for the leaves, here in the UK I would leave in a pile to rot for at least a year, before using as a mulch, otherwise leaves can harbour slugs and make it difficult to sow small seeds.
However you may be drier than us and if slugs are not a problem, you could for example spread leaves around established plants.Evan, that is good that they compost them, though even after one year I wonder how ‘finished’ the compost is. Nonetheless it should be good on the surface, say two inch layer, anywhere you are putting in plants rather than sowing direct.
I should love to have access to such a resource, but there are not many trees around here. There are wood chips from tree surgeons, which take longer to break down.
Do keep us informed about your progress.…… interestingly, here in Lincoln (UK), the City Council used to have its contractors deposit the autumn leaf sweepings in the parking area of our allotment site for gardeners to take away and use – but then (about three seasons ago), the DfEE issued advice that councils should desist the practice because of the potential for toxins (oils etc) in road sweepings. We’d hoped they’d continue to let us have the park sweepings – but no: sadly. Although the contractors continue to drop off huge piles of tree chippings … which never seem to last long!
My personal experience is that the chippings become woodlouse heaven ……. and those little beasties are always happy to exploit a wee bit of slug damage to a plant – which leaves me uncertain of the merit of the chippings as paths around beds.
I agree that wood chips want using with care, partly depending what you are growing. For example woodlice love spinach leaves and stems and can certainly rival slugs as a pest menace.
A shame about that decision on town leaves!.Evan your beds look good.
Some weeds may grow through, I don’t know how vigorous the grass is in NC, so watch for that.
I would sow and plant into those beds as soon as you have seeds and plants, and according to what works in your climate.Hi Charles
I have just taken over an allotment that has a large heap of pidgeon manure
it is 3/4 year old and well rotted, would it be safe to put on beds as a top layer
or better to mix it with other compostsThat sounds a good resource, I wonder if it is pure pigeon droppings of mixed with some bedding, or anything else?
I would either use it as an addition and stimulator in other compost heaps, or spread it thinly around growing crops (leeks, brassicas) rather than using it as a mulch to spread in autumn. I think that some of its nutrients may still be water-soluble.it has been mixed with the bedding – will take a couple inch,s of the beds and thin out what is left ,
many thanks
Brian
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