Storing fall leaves for winter?

[Korzak]

Hi all,
The leaves are starting to fall here in Connecticut, and I have been adding them to the bedding in our coop. It seems like a great addition. Does anyone have tips on how to collect and store leaves in bulk for the winter? Or is a rigid tote better, or a garbage bag that you can squish down, or what? I assume I'm going to have to keep whatever container inside, so we don't get moisture and mold and mildew happening.
Thanks!!

 

[Mrs. K]

I would fill your coop 2 - 3 feet deep, periodically sprinkle scratch on top. And by spring, ah some great mulch!

Mrs K

 

[donrae]

I liked Howard E's response on this thread....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1137182/storing-leaves

 

[lazy gardener]

Last fall, I collected about 100 bags of leaves from a house in town. Many of them were packed in contractor bags. They stored nicely in the bags by placing the bags so that the openings were facing down, so water would not enter the bags. Many of them went into the run, into the coop,were stored in the green house, used as banking around the green house, mulch in the orchard, garden, and HK mound. I still have a few bags left to continue work on the HK, and will leave a note at that same house, anticipating picking up the fall bounty again this year.

 

[Spartan22]

Last fall, I collected about 100 bags of leaves from a house in town.  Many of them were packed in contractor bags.  They stored nicely in the bags by placing the bags so that the openings were facing down, so water would not enter the bags.  Many of them went into the run, into the coop,were stored in the green house, used as banking around the green house, mulch in the orchard, garden, and HK mound.  I still have a few bags left to continue work on the HK, and will leave a note at that same house, anticipating picking up the fall bounty again this year.  

Great idea, never thought of that one. I should ask my my neighbors for their bagged leaves. Here in NE Ohio leaves are not changing colors yet.

 

[MollySunshine]

That's a great idea! I wish I had though of it

The leaves are falling here also, obviously, (a town/state away), and I plan on gathering some up to place in the run. I didn't think of adding some to the coop. Chickies will be so happy!

 

[eagrbeavr]

LGardener, i do the same thing! I collected probably 60 bags from in town. The townsfolk did all the raking, bagging and put it all curbside and I just come along with my truck and took them. I coined myself The Leaf Thief. I have a couple in the coop for a base, several in the run, mowed, and the garden's covered with mowed leaves. I have about 20 bags left for next spring. I do find they can get dusty from drying so much so i use dried grass clippings as bedding for the rest of the winter. Works great for me

 

[MollySunshine]

LGardener, i do the same thing! I collected probably 60 bags from in town. The townsfolk did all the raking, bagging and put it all curbside and I just come along with my truck and took them. I coined myself The Leaf Thief. I have a couple in the coop for a base, several in the run, mowed, and the garden's covered with mowed leaves. I have about 20 bags left for next spring. I do find they can get dusty from drying so much so i use dried grass clippings as bedding for the rest of the winter. Works great for me

You leaf thief! I will see your face posted on the evening news hehe Incorporating leaves into my coop has really worked out well for me to date. I should ask my neighbors to give me their leaves and in exchange I will give them a carton of eggs.

 

[aart]

Last fall, I collected about 100 bags of leaves from a house in town. Many of them were packed in contractor bags. They stored nicely in the bags by placing the bags so that the openings were facing down, so water would not enter the bags. Many of them went into the run, into the coop,were stored in the green house, used as banking around the green house, mulch in the orchard, garden, and HK mound. I still have a few bags left to continue work on the HK, and will leave a note at that same house, anticipating picking up the fall bounty again this year.

Was thinking about this yesterday.....funny it came back up today.
What do you mean by "contractor bags"?
I'm guessing plastic garbage bags....maybe heavier and larger than household plastic garbage bags?

 

[lazy gardener]

Yep, super big, thicker material. Tough bags.