18 Ways to use fall leaves in your Garden

August 14, 2023

Fall is a time of change, and the leaves on the trees are no exception. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, the leaves begin to change color and fall from the trees. This natural process is a reminder of the beauty of the changing seasons, but it also presents us with an opportunity to be creative and resourceful.

Compost them. Fall leaves are a great source of organic matter for compost. You can either rake them up and add them to your compost pile, or you can run them through a leaf shredder and add them to your compost bin. This will help to improve the quality of your compost and make it more nutrient-rich. If you don’t have a leaf mulchers you can run them over with your lawn mower.
Use them as mulch. Shredded leaves make a great mulch for your garden beds. They help to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and improve drainage. Bugs and other critters overwinter in leaf piles so leave them in your flower beds until spring.
Make leaf art. Fallen leaves can be used to make all sorts of beautiful art projects. You can use them to make leaf rubbings, leaf prints, leaf collages, and even leaf mobiles.
Decorate with them. Fallen leaves can be used to decorate your home for the fall season. You can use them to make wreaths, centerpieces, and even table runners.
Use them to attract wildlife. Fallen leaves provide shelter and food for many different types of wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and rabbits. You can create a wildlife habitat in your backyard by leaving some fallen leaves undisturbed.
Use them to feed livestock. Some livestock, such as goats and sheep, will eat fallen leaves. This can be a great way to reduce the amount of waste on your farm and provide your animals with a healthy snack.
Use them to make animal bedding. Fallen leaves can be used to make animal bedding. This is a great way to keep your animals warm and dry in the winter.
Use them to make leaf mold. Leaf mold is a type of compost that is made from fallen leaves. It is a great soil amendment that can help to improve the drainage and fertility of your soil.
Use them to make fire starters. Fallen leaves can be used to make fire starters. This is a great way to start a fire without using lighter fluid or matches.
Use them to make natural dyes. Fallen leaves can be used to make natural dyes. This is a great way to dye fabrics and other materials using natural ingredients.
Use them to make paper. Fallen leaves can be used to make paper. This is a great way to recycle fallen leaves and create a sustainable product.
Use them to make biogas. Fallen leaves can be used to make biogas. This is a renewable energy source that can be used to power your home or farm.
Use them to make biochar. Biochar is a type of charcoal that is made from biomass. It is a great soil amendment that can help to improve the fertility and water retention of your soil.
Use them to make mushroom compost. Mushroom compost is a type of compost that is made from fallen leaves and other organic materials. It is a great substrate for growing mushrooms.
Use them to make insect hotels. Insect hotels are structures that provide shelter and food for insects. Fallen leaves can be used to make insect hotels, which can help to improve the biodiversity in your garden.
Use them to create a rain garden. A rain garden is a depression in the ground that is filled with plants and mulch. It is designed to collect rainwater and slow down the flow of water, which can help to prevent flooding. Fallen leaves can be used to mulch a rain garden, which can help to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Use them to create a green roof. A green roof is a roof that is covered with plants. Fallen leaves can be used to mulch a green roof, which can help to insulate the roof and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Use them in your chicken run. Chickens love leaves and all the bugs they can find in them. They will also scratch the leaves into the ground breaking them down into compost.

Fall leaves are a versatile resource that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil, used to make crafts and decorations, or simply enjoyed for their beauty. When we learn to appreciate the many uses of fall leaves, we can help to protect the environment and create a more sustainable future.

Here’s what we can learn from falling leaves:

Change is inevitable. Just as the leaves change color and fall from the trees in the fall, so too do things change in our lives. We can’t control change, but we can choose how we react to it. We can embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth, or we can resist it and become bitter.
Appreciate the beauty of the present moment. Fall leaves are a reminder that beauty is all around us, even in the midst of change. We should take the time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and to savor the simple things in life.
Give back to the earth. When we compost fall leaves, we are giving back to the earth and helping to create healthy soil. We can also use fall leaves to make crafts and decorations, which can help to reduce waste.

Fall leaves are a gift from the natural world. Let’s use them wisely and learn from the lessons they teach us.

Happy Gardening

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The Thrifted Planter

Ciearra is a gardener and houseplant enthusiast of over 10 years! She has been growing indoors and outdoors. Supplying food for her family and beautifying her home with annuals, perennials and houseplants! Ciearra is passionate about sharing her knowledge of plant care with anyone who needs help or a quick plant growth tip! When she’s not blogging you can find her tending to her chickens, dogs and hanging out with her family

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