Old wood planting bed + oak leaves? - Ask Extension
Two-part question:
1) i have an old wood pile that's now mixed with soil. I'm going to add a bit more soil and plant veggies. Anything I need to kn...
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Old wood planting bed + oak leaves? #752354
Asked May 26, 2021, 4:28 PM EDT
Two-part question:
1) i have an old wood pile that's now mixed with soil. I'm going to add a bit more soil and plant veggies. Anything I need to know?
2) That wood pile has 6 inches of oak leaves piled on it currently. Can those leaves be incorporated into the planting bed or should they be removed?
Thank you!
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Although it sounds like more organic matter is better, in actuality plants need the nutrition they get from soil. Less than 10% organic matter is recommended for a good garden. So, you can use the wood and oak leaves, but you need to mix them in a lot of soil. Testing the soil (http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/) is strongly recommended so you can add whatever fertilizer is necessary for good results.
Thank you! That helps organize my preparation. Perhaps they can be regarded and treated as mulch?
Jackie Mosio
-----Original Message-----
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: jbellmosio <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thu, Jun 3, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: Re: Old wood planting bed + oak leaves? (#0022285)
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: jbellmosio <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thu, Jun 3, 2021 7:07 pm
Subject: Re: Old wood planting bed + oak leaves? (#0022285)
The oak leaves would make a good mulch if they are broken down or shredded. Whole leaves tend to form an impermeable mat.
