He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author, and all-round horticultural visionary, much like Nat King Cole in the world of music. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about the best way to deal with the ever-growing littering of autumn leaves in your garden.
The Importance of a Tidy Garden in Autumn
As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures start to drop, it’s the perfect time to give your garden a good tidy-up before winter sets in.
Autumn is the season when leaves carpet our gardens, bringing both beauty and a bit of a challenge – yet managing this leafy cascade doesn’t have to be a daunting task, as long as you approach it correctly.
Why Clearing Autumn Leaves is Essential
First things first, let’s talk about why it’s essential to clear those leaves, as they can be a sign of neglect in your garden’s performance. When they fall in large quantities during October and November, they can quickly cover lawns and borders.
Left unattended, they can smother grass and the crowns of herbaceous perennials, sometimes killing them.
A quick rake-up will prevent this and also discourage worms from surfacing, which can make your lawn look unsightly. So, starting a regimented process in September will get you used to doing it through the rest of the autumn months.
Best Practices for Raking Autumn Leaves
When raking, use one with plastic-teeth rather than a wire one as they’re gentler on your grass and plants. However, remember that the aim isn’t to be meticulous in removing every single leaf; it’s more about getting rid of the bulk so as to prevent damage. Leaves that sit on, around, and underneath plants will eventually rot down, enriching the soil in the process.
Also, the leaves that you collect can be put to excellent use, so instead of bagging them up for the bin, create a mould pile by heaping them in a corner – perhaps under a hedge – where they won’t be in the way. Over about a year, they’ll break down into a fantastic soil conditioner that will benefit your garden.
Supporting Wildlife with Leaf Piles
It’s also worth noting that a few piles of leaves left in out-of-the-way places can provide much-needed shelter for overwintering wildlife, a sign of caring for the ecosystem. Hedgehogs, frogs, and a host of beneficial insects will appreciate the refuge. Just be sure to clear leaves from your lawn, paths, and borders where they can be problematic.
The Necessity of Regular Maintenance
Remember, this isn’t a task you can leave until the end of autumn. If you wait until all the leaves have fallen and are thoroughly damp, it will be too late to save the grass and plants underneath.
Regular, light raking throughout the season is the way to go. This not only protects your garden but also offers great exercise – think of it as a bonus workout for your core!
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