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About Elyse Grau
Expertise
I can answer most questions on vegetable and fruit growing, in particular those that pertain to the Northwest, Midwest and other cool areas of the country. I prefer to use only organic/natural methods and materials.

Experience
I have Master Gardener training and have been gardening for over 25 years. I use organic and natural methods only. I live on 5 acres and have a large vegetable garden, as well as orchard, grapevines and berries.

Publications
Creswell Chronicle

Education/Credentials
none applicable

You are here: Experts > Food/Drink > Vegetarian Cuisine > Growing Vegetables > Leaves

Growing Vegetables - Leaves

Expert: Elyse Grau - 10/30/2009

Question
Hi
My community allows small backyard gardens but not composting.I know its dumb but one neighbor has a lot of pull.
I would like to rake up the leaves and get them into the garden but how do I do that without them blowing all over?
Do I have to till or dig them in? The soil is getting hard.
Thanks.

Answer
Bud:
Do you have a lawn mower with a catcher bag? If so, that's the best way to pick up the leaves. Just go over the leaves where they lie (you probably have to raise the blades - but it won't hurt if there's grass in it, too), and then spread them right on top of the beds.

If it's not rainy where you are, you may want to wet the leaves down a bit once you've got them on the bed, to keep them from blowing away. It's not necessary to till them in, but if wind will be an ongoing problem, you might want to turn them under a bit. You can also lay some twiggy brush over the beds, if you have that.

Elyse

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