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Madisonville, TN

I have about 25 yards of shredded maple leaves that have been in three big piles all winter. They are not broke down completely. Is it too late to disc them in the pumpkin patch or will they tie up too much nitrogen until they are completely broken down?

1/21/2015 6:32:46 PM

Williamsburg,KY

If the leaves are not broke down then they will use your patch to break down. If it were me, I would let them break down more then apply. With the TN weather and heat you could be asking for trouble. I added shredded maple leaves last spring and well...trouble with disease. When in doubt don't do it. I should have listen to my own advise. I learned the hard way. Good luck.

1/23/2015 6:45:50 AM

Madisonville, TN

What causes the disease troubles when adding leaves that haven't completely broken down? Could the leaves be used as mulch for watermelons?

1/23/2015 8:42:00 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I remember reading from a grower diary, I think it was Dan Carlson, that they mulched with leaves. As long as they aren't mixed into the soil they won't tie up the soil nitrogen, If they are just lying on top they should break down slowly and you can incorporate in the fall. I think the disease is from holding in too much moisture to create a good environment for fungus. If you apply it just deep enough to shade weed seedlings I don't see a problem. I would be going into my timber to get leaves for mulch if I didn't have so many walnut trees.

1/23/2015 9:23:37 AM

Springfield, Missouri

I added in March last year. I sprayed with nitrogen so nutrient deficiency wasn't a problem. My stump rotted out later in the season.

1/23/2015 12:04:09 PM

Bowdon, GA

I would not use them for mulch under melons. Leaves don't dry quick enough and harbor mold causing vine rot. I would use pine straw for mulch and incorporate the leaves after they rot. Don't know about pumpkins.

1/23/2015 11:00:33 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

If I used leaves for mulch I would chop them up first so they have better ventilation and hold less moisture.

1/23/2015 11:53:49 PM