This Fall, Leave the Leaves!

It’s that time of year again for fall garden cleanup. But instead of raking, bagging, and hauling leaves to the landfill, let’s embrace a more sustainable approach: leave the leaves!

Imagine wrapping yourself in a cozy fall blanket and basking in the wonder of Mother Nature. Each tree in your yard is doing just that—covering itself with a blanket of golden leaves. This natural process is not only beautiful but incredibly beneficial for your garden.

Leaving your leaves is one of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gases and benefit your garden. When leaves decompose, they create a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and enrich the soil with nutrients. This process not only fertilizes your garden but also provides a habitat for wildlife such as lizards, birds, turtles, frogs, and insects. These creatures play a crucial role in pest control and pollination, making them invaluable allies in your garden.

Soil health is paramount in permaculture, and micro-organisms are the unsung heroes. They thrive on the organic matter provided by fallen leaves, breaking it down and enriching the soil. This natural cycle reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and promotes stronger, healthier plants.

Including leaves in your compost mix can further enhance your garden’s fertility. Mulching with leaves is a simple yet effective practice that protects the soil surface, prevents erosion, and moderates soil temperature. By keeping roots warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and retaining moisture, mulch proves especially beneficial during droughts.

You can easily mulch leaves where they fall or chop them up with your mower. Alternatively, use them in strategic garden spots like between crop rows, around fruit trees, or in high-traffic areas. Leaves are also excellent for covering bare soil between growing seasons and for improving compacted soil by reducing runoff and adding nutrients.

Leaving your leaves this fall isn’t just about less work for you; it’s about creating a healthier, more resilient garden ecosystem. So, let’s practice permaculture principles and let those leaves do their magic. Embrace the sustainable choice—leave the leaves!