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Danville, CA ([email protected])

Okay, so I don't have many trees, which is good from a growing perspective but I have no leaves for the soil. I saw that many growers put a foot or two of leaves on the patch each year. Where do they come from? Is there a "secret" source that I can get them from? Neighbors would have some but making lots of trips, etc. doesn't sound like a great plan.

Thanks for any tips!

8/31/2006 5:28:12 PM

Unknown

drive down any residential neighborhood in october and november, pick up the leaf bagssitting by the side of the road, which in lots of cases are already mulched a bit from the lawn mowers.

petman no ones going to deliver them to you so get out there and invest in your garden

t.u.g.

8/31/2006 7:52:27 PM

Baildon, Saskatchewan, Canada , EH

I drive the back-alleys in the fall and there are a lot of people who bag them for the trash. This year I am gonna wear a bag on my head and see what kinda action I get!!!! Just call me the unknown leave taker!!

8/31/2006 8:50:28 PM

Connecticut, USA

I get leaf compost from a local recycling center. I have to buy it but it is already broken down. Very dark black stuff. Try Googling for leaf compost and your city/state name.

8/31/2006 9:05:01 PM

San Jose [email protected]

ask your local gardener as in the guy who cuts your neighbors lawn, I am sure they get tons they would love to get rid of

8/31/2006 9:49:06 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

PM, be careful, some types of leaves are not good...OAK, I think I have read is not good, some nut trees,also...okay I think I just described myself...nut tree...???? Seriously, something in oak leaves is a growth inhibitor???? What kind of trees near you...?? Peace, Wayne

8/31/2006 10:13:24 PM

I contact landscapers that do yard cleanups and offer them a place to dump.
Oak leaves,,growth inhibitor?? hmmm,,I for one use what is available,,,oak leaves and pine needles are what I have an abundance of ,,add the needed lime and they have been working for me in various ways for years. The only bad thing (that I have found) about oak is they have to be shreaded to break down as fast as maple, birch. or aspen. The pine needles are used as mulch(not on the AG's) with lime added and over a couple of years they break down ,,,just my 2 cents.

8/31/2006 10:33:20 PM

Danville, CA ([email protected])

TUG - Wasn't lookin for delivery, but here in sunny CA we all have recycle cans which are 96 gallons and I can't lift 'em to empty em in the truck

Cooker - No back alleys, but I will keep my eye out

Ken - Good idea, didn't think of that

Gary - How did you know my neighbor had a gardener? How did you know I didn't? Hmmmm

Peace - I thought only walnut but will have to check

Unkadan - Consider this a nickel in payment...LOL.

Gardeners here seem to have only grass so I think the recycle place might be te way to go. Anyone have issues with pesticides/insecticides/or something else? Thanks

9/1/2006 12:15:52 AM

ENGLAND

Just one important issue to think about when collecting any green waste from other peoples gardens and that is if the dreaded 2-4-D has been used on their property. If so there will be residues in that green waste which will become evident when attempting to grow anything in soil with that green waste added to it.

9/1/2006 6:26:19 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I disagree with the no one delivering part. We put a sign by the road and the people bring their leaves until the patch is full.

9/1/2006 7:35:50 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Around here many of the churches have mature trees, maples and such, that drop oodles of leaves. The leaves pile up in the parking lots and clog the drains, and of course these folks have limited budgets for cleanup like this. I just go and fill my truck up, it doesn't take too long. Oh wait! I don't have a truck anymore...

9/1/2006 10:26:12 AM

Coventry R.I.

nice job dean, lol

9/1/2006 10:44:58 AM

[email protected]

Seek out Maple, Birch, & Ash leaves from neighbors. These may be tilled into the soil this fall.

As a general rule - avoid Oak, Hickory & other large nut bearing species unless you are prepared to compost them before adding to the patch.

9/1/2006 10:45:49 AM