Leaf Mulch

Well Veggie Patch was finally cleared this weekend, novice grower so no planning ahead with winter crops :(

Anyway the veggie patch this year is going to become a strawberry bed and a new veggie patch which is a bit bigger is in the 'thinking' stages of construction which is probably as far as most of my great plants get.

Anyhow in preparation for the strawberries I thought I should revitalise the soil. Now we have inherited tons of well-rotted leaf mulch from the previous occupants so can I just launch a load of that on the soil and let the worms take their course or do I need to be digging it in?

Am I right in thinking that leaf mulch won't actually add many nutrients to the soil and if I intend to plant strawberries in there imminently am I risking damaging them?

I thought I had some compost but despite my best efforts the compost is'nt quite ready yet. Anything else I can do too improve the soil before planting? I've made up a nettle broth and live 5 miles from the sea so seaweed also an option.

Many thanks,

MrM

 

Hi Mr M,

Leafmold is ideal for Strawberries, they were originally a woodland plant. You are right, there is not a lot of nutrient in it but it is a good soil conditioner & will hold moisture.

Seaweed is good, needs rotting down & raining on to get the salt out.

 

Oh, the worms will dig it in if you don't want to. But the Badgers will throw it everywhere to get at the worms.