Composting, Rain Barrels, & Leaf Mulch

As part of the Wild Back Yard Program recommendations, we compost, have rain barrels, and use leaf mulch. Composting and using leaf mulch ensures that what came from the land returns to the land. Collecting rainwater allows us to water without drawing from our well.

We maintain a compost bin for what minimal yard waste we generate as well as appropriate food waste. Composting eliminates lawn clippings, weeds, and other organic matter as well as leaves and paper from the refuse stream. Any compost generated is used in the garden and to amend soil in the beds. A simple three-sided bin is used. It is kept in an inconspicuous but easily accessible location away from the house. Proper management avoids unpleasant odors and does not attract animals.

Here is a good beginner's article explaining the why's and how's of composting.

The compost created has been mixed with soil for planting in pots and the beds. We make compost tea for watering the garden and any plants that look like they need some help. Good stuff.

The rain barrels are located on one corner of the house, garage, and out-building. Each uses a diverter on the downspouts. The barrels are large trash bins fitted with hose bibs. They stand off the ground on wood tables. Water is drawn as needed directly. The water is treated with an anti-mosquito pellet to prevent mosquitoes. Why rain barrels though?

5 benefits of rain barrels

The water collected is used during the warmer months for watering plants and the garden. Setting the barrels on a short stand allows us to pour into a watering can. With a cheap pump we are able to use a hose, saving time.

All our native plant beds are dressed in leaf mulch. This is used instead of traditional wood mulch. Leaf mulch is simply the fall leaves collected while mowing. This breaks the leaves into smaller bits. The result is a fine, airy, top cover that prevents weeds, retains moisture in the soil, and provides an attractive color and texture to the beds. More information is here. The beds around the house are mulched with a natural wood mulch without dyes. We don't have THAT many leaves.

Our first attempt we collected the leaves in the fall with our mower. They were piled in the woods until Spring. We mowed the pile again to further shred the leaves before putting them onto the beds. This created very fine mulch that, unfortunately, blew away with strong wind and broke down too quickly. Good for the soil but did nothing against weeds. The next year we tried again but with a thicker layer. Same problems. This year we skipped the spring shred and are expecting better results. Due to the amount of work involved we will be collecting the leaves and placing them directly onto the beds in the Fall.

Other uses for leaf mulch include adding it to the compost bin as brown (together with green and water to create compost). We have mixed it with soil when planting both in pots and in the ground. We did attempt making tea with it for watering plants and the garden. No data on whether it is beneficial or not.