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Old 19-01-2011, 09:17 PM
lannerman lannerman is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: May 2009
Location: Lanner. Cornwall.
Posts: 359
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coykiesaol View Post
I have been scraping up all the leaves in the garden (very large garden, unbelievable amount of leaves!!) Was wondering if having dumped a load of them on the veg patch for mixing in with horse manure when they are rotted down whether this will be beneficial or detrimental to the health (growth) of veggies next year??

Also, does anyone have a leaf blower and can they recommend them or not. Especially when the leaves are wet on grass??

Many thanks
Further to previous answers, i agree that when rotted they will be beneficial but just be aware that initially, they will rob the soil of nutrient as they rot down so I would be inclined to mix with the FYM and compost them in a heap first and add as a top dressing when rotted before digging them into the soil.
Remember also that unless well rotted FYM will contain loads of weed seeds which will germinate, thus making keeping the veg plot clean more difficult.
Add a compost accelerator to the heap and the leaves should rot down quicker, giving a nice friable organic medium, especially if the heap is kept relatively dry, if too wet (uncovered) you could end up with a wet sludgy pile
Lannerman