Hey there, garden enthusiasts! Fall is upon us, and you know what that means—cooler temps, cozy sweaters, and the perfect excuse to get your hands dirty in the garden. Whether you're a newbie, a seasoned pro, or just someone who loves nature, sustainable gardening practices can make your green space healthier and more environmentally friendly. Plus, it’s a fun way to soak up the autumn vibes before winter rolls in!
Why Practice Sustainable Fall Gardening?
Sustainable gardening is the bee’s knees. It helps cut down your environmental footprint, saves resources, and gives Mother Nature a big ol’ hug. By making a few mindful choices, you can create a garden that’s both lush and eco-friendly.
Leave the Leaves
While there are many reasons to dislike leaf blowers, especially the highly annoying, unnecessarily loud gas powered ones, it isn't the main reason you should object to their use. Autumn is the season in which nature has evolved to give back, setting itself up for spring time. The most obvious way this occurs is through fallen leaves. Most of the Eastern US is made up of deciduous forest, meaning the majority of the trees and shrubs loose their leaves and go into a dormant state during winter.
If you live an area, such as Arizona or southern Florida, you may be unfamiliar with deciduous cycles. You can read more about the nutrient cycle of deciduous forests in my article, "Why Deciduous Forests Lose Their Leaves and the Nutrient Cycle".
When leaves fall and decompose, they release nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the soil, enriching it for future growth. Microorganisms, fungi, and invertebrates aid in this breakdown, turning leaves into nutrient-rich humus. In spring, trees and other plants absorb these nutrients to grow new leaves, supporting the forest's health and ecosystem balance, ensuring resources for their life cycles annually. Removing the leaves causing a nutrition shortage. Hell, even the big brand fertilizer companies now that, which is why they promote raking and using leaf blowers. (Psst... so you have to buy fertilizer.)
Deciduous areas, including the cities and suburbs that have broken up forests, host diverse wildlife that depends on seasonal changes and nutrient cycles. These ecosystems thrive on the natural shedding of leaves, which creates vital leaf litter on the ground. Leaf litter plays an essential role in nutrient recycling, breaking down over time to nourish the soil. It also provides a crucial habitat for many species of insects and reptiles, which rely on these fallen leaves for shelter, food, and protection.
Insects that Depend on Leaf Litter
Leaf litter creates a rich microhabitat teeming with insects. One of the most important inhabitants of leaf litter is the decomposer community, including fungi, bacteria, and insects like springtails (Collembola), beetle larvae, and woodlice (Isopoda). These organisms break down leaves and organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil.
Additionally, ants, spiders, and various beetles use leaf litter as a hunting ground for food. Leaf litter provides perfect hiding places for prey, while predators wait in ambush. Many species of fireflies depend on leaf litter during their larval stage, feeding on small invertebrates in the damp, hidden spaces.
Other insects like butterflies and moths benefit from leaf litter during their pupal stages. The woolly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella), for instance, overwinters in leaf litter, relying on the natural insulation it provides to survive freezing temperatures.
Reptiles & Amphibians that Rely on Leaf Litter
Several reptiles also find their homes in this layer of fallen foliage. Skinks (like the five-lined skink) and salamanders are common in deciduous leaf litter. These reptiles find cover in the moist environment, where they can hide from predators and regulate their body temperature.
The moist, decomposing leaves are a critical habitat for eastern box turtles, which forage for insects, worms, and small invertebrates among the leaves. These reptiles rely on the presence of a healthy layer of leaf litter for food, nesting sites, and hibernation during the colder months.
By preserving leaf litter in our urban and suburban landscapes, we can help maintain essential habitats for this range of species, supporting the delicate balance of life in these ecosystems.
The seasonal shedding of leaves plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity by fostering a dynamic and constantly evolving environment. In deciduous forests, both plants and animals have adapted to these seasonal cycles, with numerous species aligning their life cycles to coincide with food and resource availability. For example, some flowers bloom in spring, before the canopy thickens, enabling them to benefit from the sunlight and active pollinators during this period.
I know, I know. I hear you, or rather your HOA kvetching.
So what can you do if you have to rake your yard? You have options! Here is a great way to use leaves that would otherwise be sent to the dump.
Don’t just rake them away—turn them into compost!
It’s like magic, turning garden waste into rich, nourishing soil. (Remember to leave at least a little bit of leaf litter around your yard, under bushes, and behind the shed.)
How to Start Composting:
Pick Your Spot: Find a shady nook in your yard for your compost pile or bin.
Layer It Up: Alternate layers of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Greens are stuff like grass clippings and kitchen scraps, while browns are leaves and small branches.
Keep It Damp: Think of your compost as a sponge—damp, but not dripping.
Give It a Stir: Every few weeks, give your compost a good turn to keep things cooking.
Planting Cover Crops: Nature’s Cozy Blanket
Cover crops, like clover, rye, or winter wheat, are your garden’s best friends. They protect and enrich soil during the off-season, preventing erosion, suppressing weeds, and adding organic goodness.
Steps to Plant Cover Crops:
Pick Your Crop: Choose a cover crop that suits your region and soil type.
Prep the Soil: Clear away debris and give the soil a light till.
Sow Those Seeds: Spread the seeds evenly and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Water Well: Keep the soil moist until your cover crops are settled in.
Mulching: Nature’s Insulation
Mulching is like tucking your garden in with a cozy blanket. It helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep those pesky weeds at bay. Here a great tip that will save you money... Leave the Leaves! They're FREE mulch!
Mulching Tips:
Go Organic: Use materials like straw, wood chips, or whole or shredded leaves.
Spread Generously: Lay down mulch about 2-3 inches thick around your plants.
Mind the Trunk: Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of trees and shrubs to avoid rot.
Water Wisely: Conservation is Key
With cooler weather, your garden won’t need as much water, but it’s still important to be smart about it.
Smart Watering Tips:
Early Bird Gets the Worm: Water your garden in the early morning to cut down on evaporation.
Catch the Rain: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for those dry spells.
Drip, Drip, Drip: Install a drip irrigation system to deliver water right to the roots.
No Deadheading The Flowers
Another simple but impactful change is to skip deadheading spent flowers. Leaving seed heads in place throughout the fall and winter not only adds interest to your garden but also provides essential food for birds and shelter for insects. By reducing unnecessary maintenance like raking and deadheading, you can enjoy the season’s natural rhythms while supporting your garden’s ecosystem.
Native Plants: Embrace Local Flora
Planting native species is a win-win. They support local wildlife and require less fuss.
Why Go Native?
Climate Champs: Native plants are naturally suited to your region’s soil and weather.
Low Maintenance: They often need less water and fewer chemicals.
Biodiversity Boost: They provide habitat and food for local birds, bees, and butterflies.
Wrapping Up
Sustainable fall gardening involves collaborating with nature to maintain a healthy garden. Key practices include composting, planting cover crops, mulching, wise watering, and leaving fallen leaves to insulate roots and support wildlife. Skipping deadheading spent flowers provides food for birds and shelter for insects while adding interest to the garden. By reducing maintenance tasks, gardeners can enjoy the season’s natural beauty and rhythms. Engage in these sustainable practices for a greener, more joyful garden experience. For additional gardening tips, explore our other blog posts. Happy gardening!
Ready to learn more?
Mark your calendars -
A NEW online master class launches November 4th!
The Eco Garden Masterclass: From Planning to Planting:
Basics and step-by-step instructions for creating a low-maintenance landscape
Focus on enhancing suburban wildlife habitats
Includes expert insights, demonstration videos, and professional planning resources
Prepare to get your hands dirty and immerse yourself in the art of gardening!
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Photos by Amanda Ross
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