The Benefits of the Autumn Leaf

A wet cold November morning; what is there to like apart from preparing to book your next summer holiday to the tropics. Nobody likes the autumn mess leaves can leave; constant sweeping up for week’s whist trying not to break your neck by slipping. It seems like a hard and worthless task but what most people don’t know is that a fallen leaf has so many benefits that make the world go round in respect to preserving the land in which we live work and eat from. Leaves are a free source of organic matter nutrients like calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus; magnesium and potassium are stored in these tiny organs of a vascular plant.

Through they can look a mess they can also be very beneficial; here’s 5 tips of managing your leaf waste.

1. Leaves can be used just as they are or shredded to make mulch. Fantastic nutrient provider for your garden.

2. Dig them into your vegetable garden to improve the soil structure for both clay and sandy soils

3. Leaves can be used for plant protection during the winter months, then turned into soil in spring

4. Gather them up and make your own compost to supply your garden throughout the year with rich organic matter.

5. At Broxtowe Borough Council we can provide you with a green bin, for all your garden waste. You fill the bin, we take it away and turn your garden waste into compost and donate it to farmers to help improve local food produce. A process that has is beneficial for everyone.

At Broxtowe Borough Council we try to encourage people to use their gardens and a grow their own produce, and to also encourage less waste in the household.

Top ten gardening tips and jobs for November

1. Plant out winter bedding. 2. Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem. 3. Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden 4. Clear up leaves, from lawns, ponds and beds 5. Prune roses to prevent wind-rock 6. Plant tulip bulbs for spring 7. Insulate outdoor containers

8. Have a seasonal bonfire, if allowed to dispose of excess debris that’s unfit for composting. 9. Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees by using grease bands around the trucks 10. Clean out greenhouse and wash pots and trays to help prevent disease and pest spread.