Autumn Leaves

I finally raked up the last load of leaves for the season!  This year, I moved a total of 29 pick-up loads of leaves, which is about average.  I started raking as soon as the leaves started falling.  Over the years, I have found that if you rake a day a week throughout the fall, the leaves don't get embedded in the grass, and they are easier to rake.  It is also a lot easier moving that many loads over a two month period as opposed to a two week period.

I know that I am considered old-fashioned because I still use a rake and haven't switched to a gas-powered blower.  Truth is:  I am just as fast with the rake as the blower.  The difference is that it is more physical to use the rake.  (I figure that helps keep me in shape.)  Plus, I don't have to listen to the whine of a two-cycle engine, or inhale the fumes.

My leaf pile resembles a mountain about this time of year.  But I will turn it regularly with the front end loader and the leaves will compost nicely.  I don't use the soil from the compost anymore though.  About one quarter of the leaves from the yard are from walnut trees.  These trees produce juglone which is a compound that inhibits the germination of other plants.  There is some juglone in the leaves, at least enough to discourage the growth of everything except for weeds.  Trust me on this, I found out the hard way.