Re: Leaves as surface compost?

I covered my garden with several inches of un-composted leaves in the fall a
few years ago.  In the spring they had not broken down much.  This was a
problem because they held the moisture in and did not allow the soil to warm
up.  This was clay soil that did not drain very well (at my former house).
I usually till in late April or early May.  That year I finally tilled the
second week of June.  It was still a big mess.  I will never cover my soil
with un-composted leaves, compost, or anything in the fall again.  I will
put them in piles outside the side the garden and spread them the day before
tilling.  I now like to leave the surface of the soil as uncovered as
possible during the winter.  However, I may try a cover crop on part of the
garden this next winter.

Eric Toedtli
Vancouver, Wa.
----- Original Message -----
From: <Davecbauer@aol.com>
To: <pumpkins@hort.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 7:07 AM
Subject: Leaves as surface compost?


Hello List,

I covered my garden, one 12 x 12 raised bed, one 4 x 12 raised bed, with a
couple feet of maple leaves in the fall. How do I prepare the beds in the
spring? They have settled down to about 12 inches high, but there is still
quite a pile of leaves.

Do I ;

1. Take off all but the blackened bottom layer and till that in?
2. Do I try to till in most of the leaves?

What is my next move?

Thanks for your responses!

Regards,

Dave
330, 305 & 280 in '02 on three plants in the 12 x 12 bed.

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