Leaves in Garden Over Winter?

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arrbeejay Hartsdale, NY Nov 20, 2011

A real new-bie here.... Should tree leaves be left in the garden over-winter or should they be removed? Thanks for any advice!

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1lisac Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a) Nov 20, 2011

I would leave them and add something with Nitrogen to help break them down. That will really improve your soil.

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Nov 20, 2011

Sorry but I would do the opposite of 1lisac, If I was in Tex where the weather is drier then yes I would save my energy for some other chore, but I assume in NY like here in UK, we can get very wet winters and these fallen leaves will harbour lots of snails / slugs etc which in turn will have laid millions of eggs and come spring, your garden will be invaded by these eat all you can customers.

What I do is make an enclosure with 3-4 garden canes and chicken wire, toss all the leaves into this enclosure as they are gathered and next year you will have lots of good leaf-mold to add to your soil or compost heap, this is like a blanket for your tender root area of plants growing in the garden.
Hope this makes sense and it helps you out.
Good Luck. WeeNel.

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1lisac Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a) Nov 20, 2011

I do lasagna gardening (no till) and even down here I have found it harbors pests. I guess my main point
Was don't throw it away compost it and use it for next year. If it isn't completely decomposed I wouldn't put it in my soil because as it decomposes it ties up the Nitrogen in the soil.

I thought that the winter temps and snow in NY would kill off most of the pests. WeeNell it has been my experience that your summers are pretty wet too. : )

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