Leaves In Flower Pots And Hanging Baskets

Question

I have plants that are potted in planters and also hanging baskets. The adjacent trees’ leaves are blown by the wind and deposited into the planters and baskets. I’ve been cleaning out the leaves before I water so I make sure the plants’ roots are able to receive the water and not be obstructed by the leaves. Should I not be doing this, but instead let the leaves remain there and decay over time and be used for compost? It seems like it would take a really long time for decay to happen. Thanks !

Answer 1

I would keep removing them. They would need to compost in a pile that gets warm enough to pasteurize the materials in order for it to be usable in container.