adding oak leaves and straw to a garden - Ask Extension
Every fall I add oak leaves to my garden. I don't have a lawn mower or means of shredding and thus they go in as whole leaves. In spring they seem t...
Knowledgebase
adding oak leaves and straw to a garden #867081
Asked May 05, 2024, 10:31 AM EDT
Every fall I add oak leaves to my garden. I don't have a lawn mower or means of shredding and thus they go in as whole leaves. In spring they seem to be fairly decomposed, and I rake them into the soil. After planting, I cover the soil with straw. Please let me know if this is a good idea idea, and/or if you have any suggestions. Thank you,
Summit County Ohio
Expert Response
If this is what you do, and it has worked for you, why would you change what you are doing? You already know the leaves (especially oak leaves that are slow to break down) ideally should be shredded. Also, shredded leaves usually stay in place and don't blow around.
Here's how you can check your soil: do a soil test. Here is a link to UMass soil testing, including instructions.https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/ordering-information-forms
If you have any questions about your test results, write back and we can help with that.
Also, why not just leave the leaves in place in your yard, it could serve as mulch instead of straw, and free you of the work of raking the whole leaves into your soil. The less your soil is disturbed, the better. This is called "no-till" gardening/"leave the leaves." It is now recommended practice for supporting pollinators. (And keeping weeds down!)
Read more here:
https://sites.tufts.edu/pollinators/2019/11/why-you-should-leave-the-leaves-and-give-yourself-a-break-from-yard-work/
https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves
Here's how you can check your soil: do a soil test. Here is a link to UMass soil testing, including instructions.https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/ordering-information-forms
If you have any questions about your test results, write back and we can help with that.
Also, why not just leave the leaves in place in your yard, it could serve as mulch instead of straw, and free you of the work of raking the whole leaves into your soil. The less your soil is disturbed, the better. This is called "no-till" gardening/"leave the leaves." It is now recommended practice for supporting pollinators. (And keeping weeds down!)
Read more here:
https://sites.tufts.edu/pollinators/2019/11/why-you-should-leave-the-leaves-and-give-yourself-a-break-from-yard-work/
https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves
