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Article: Don't throw away leaves, author says.
- Article from:
- Daily Press (Newport News, VA)
- Article date:
- December 2, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Daily Press. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Kathy Van Mullekom
Bagging or dumping leaves at the roadside is a missed opportunity, says Barbara Pleasant, author of the gardening book called "The Southern Garden Advisor."
"I wish I knew who came up with the phrase `leaf litter,' which makes leaves sound like garbage," she says.
"When handled properly, leaves can become garden gold. If you put them in a pile and be patient, leaves turn into a rich source of organic matter for garden soil. Rotted leaves improve the soil's texture, and provide 16 essential trace nutrients that plants need."
The author handles her leaf harvest in two different ways. Using the bagger on her ...