Things to Do with Autumn Leaves

 

If you have a lot of leaves during the fall season and prefer to do something useful rather than burning, bagging or raking them to the curb then follow these tips for things to do with your autumn leaves.  

Here are a few photos of autumn 

If you are a gardener and desire a rich carbon and nitrogen compost them mix leaves with your grass clippings.   You can also use the leaf matter as a natural mulch for your garden beds or around your shrubs and trees. 

When using the leaves as a mulch you will find that the leaves will prevent weed grown and when the decompose the soil will be enriched.   Its best to apply a thin layer of leaf mulch rather than a thick layer because if the leaves are too heavy they will block the water from getting to your soil. 

Feed your autumn / winter season lawn with leaves.  Mow over the fallen leaves so that the leaves are cut into small pieces.  Leave the shredded leaf matter on your lawn and when it breaks down it will provide a natural feed for your grass. 

Have fun with your autumn leaves by raking them into a big pile then play with kids or grandkids by running and jumping into the pile of leaves.  It’s a fun thing to do during the autumn season.

Grow Lettuce in Autumn

 Autumn is the season when most of your crops are being harvested, however, it is also the time when you grow lettuce.   Lettuce is a fast-growing vegetable that your family will enjoy during the Autumn season.  

Plant lettuce seeds in a sunny location and in soil that you have prepared by removing the weeds and turning the soil over with a shovel or tiller.   

Water the soil well and cover it with straw.  Wait a week before checking to see if the soil has cooled down.  If this method worked your soil should have cooled to the right temperature for planting lettuce.  

Sow the seeds in rows that are two feet apart.   The seeds should be planted into the soil that is a half inch deep. Water well then keep the lettuce bed watered so that the soil is moist but not wet. 

Water lettuce daily until the seeds germinate in about two weeks. Then water as needed, If days are hot then water daily, to prevent soil from drying out.  The lack of water on a hot day will cause leaves to wilt.  Otherwise, water lettuce weekly.  

Good to Know

Should there be an early frost take steps to protect your lettuce with row covers. 

Enjoy lettuce salads within a month of planting. 

Season Change: Autumn Nights are Cooler

When I look out my window I can see that the leaves are falling from the oak trees and accumulating on the lawn. Plus the sweet autumn clematis and chrysanthemums are in full bloom.  Nature has a way of telling us when the summer is ending.  Yes, the season is changing, fall flowers are blooming and the cooler temperature is in the forecast.

Chrysanthemums in bloom, they are Falls flower

Today I turned off our air-conditioner and opened up the windows.  The high was 72 degrees.  Airing out my house sure was nice however I did close the window about ten this evening because the breeze felt cold.

Presently the thermostat outdoors says it is 57 degrees and the low tonight will be 48.    That is too cold for this time of the year and I need to get ready for a cooler than usual autumn this year. 

Tomorrow I will be busy with indoor activities.  I want to pack up my summer pastel clothing because the season has changed.  It is time to get out the darker colored tee's, jeans, cords, light flannel shirts and find suitable shoes.

Here is a transitional tee that is perfect for the autumn season.

Autumn Maple Leaves T-Shirt by Susang6

There will still be some days that are hot so a few short-sleeve tees and capri pants will be good on those days but shorts and pastel floral tops are last season and they will be packed tomorrow in under the bed storage containers.  Then I will go up to the attic to look for the alternative down comforter for our bed because it will keep us warm when autumn nights are cool.  

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day packing up summer clothes and getting ready for the autumn season.