Yesterday, I was given the task of raking the leaves out of a garden bed. It is one of the most frustrating jobs I could have in all honesty, as I see it as a waste of resources, this a waste of time and money too. In total, I managed to cover the tray of my pick-up with leaves from this one garden bed.

I understand that leaf litter can look a mess, I do agree, but there is more to a good, thick layer of leaf litter than ‘looking a mess’, especially when the mess rots down to help improve the soil, plant and soil fauna health long term. The ‘mess’ can also be covered over with mulch if you are that bothered by it.

I also get frustrated by the fact that the leaf litter just gets thrown in as there is nowhere else to put it. At previous workplaces, stuff like green waste has gone into a specific bin to go and get composted at whatever company facility that place used. That is better than now, where it just ends up in landfill.

Leaf litter rots down over time and returns nutrients to the soil. While on the soil surface, leaf litter protects the soil from erosion by both rain and wind. Soil structure is also improved-it becomes more spongy, allowing it to hold more water and air. This not only allows the plant roots to get the water, nutrients and air they need and grow easily through the soil, but also allows more water to soak into the soil preventing flooding. Leaf litter on the soil surface also helps to keep the soil damper for longer by reducing evaporation from the soil. There is also a home for all sorts of insects in this leaf litter too-they do whatever they do, while also providing food for animals and birds. All this organic matter also provides food for bacteria, worms and other species that call the soil home. These all do their thing to help keep the soil healthy.

All these benefits are greatare great things. While I understand why there is a ‘want’ to have things tidy, cared for and actually having amazing gardens within the school I work in, but this does not come about by having terrible soil. To have a good start at healthy plants, healthy soil is a must. Leaf litter helps get you there, so don’t waste what nature provides.