Hi. We just moved to our Quadra Island property in November. There is one small garden here full of strawberries only and, now that the weather seems to be finally warming up a little, I need to get started building some flower and veggie beds for all the stuff I have ordered. Our property is surrounded by Douglas firs and alders and the ground is thick with alder leaves from last fall. I had planned to use the alder leaves as mulch for the beds but I had a gardening friend over this weekend who was horrified and told me that you must never use this type of leaves. Unfortunately, she couldn't remember why! Does anyone know if it's ok to use them or if they will do terrible things to my plants so that the garden police come by and cart me away? Although we have lived in BC for several years, this is the first opportunity I've had to do any gardening on the West coast. A lot of things seem to be very different from our former home in Eastern Ontario. Thanks.
Anne
Alder leaves as mulch?
It seems she must have been thinking of some other plant... alders are not poisonous in any way.
Oh, thank you. I couldn't find any mention of them being bad for the garden but I was thinking I must have missed something. They are the only deciduous trees on the property so they're the only leaves I have to use. I know walnut leaves aren't good to use but couldn't figure what the problem would be. I'm going to go ahead and use them and, if something terrible happens, I'll let folks know!
Anne
Well I am sure if you googled it and couldn't find anything you will be just fine....good luck!