Sustainable Gardening Blog

Sometimes it’s the simplest of gardening chores that never gets explained. I’m reminded of this when someone asks me how to plant an annual or when I see a neighbor raking leaves over a great distance.  Isn’t that just about the hardest way to get leaves from one place to another?  So here it is, the most efficient system for moving leaves in all of Takoma, a system I’ve abandoned often enough to feel a tad forgetful.  Now that I’ve enumerated it in a six helpful (or is the word anal?) steps, I’m sure I’ll remember it.

1.  Start farthest away, working toward the leaves’ final destination.
2. Start uphill and rake down.  Gravity’s a big deal.
3. Rake the leaves onto a large sheet or tarp and carry or drag them to their destination. (Personally, I find fabric more supple, and it takes up less space in the garage when not in use.) Raking the shortest distance possible is the idea.
4. Load onto the sheet no more than can be easily carried or dragged.  In this photo the leaves are piled lower than usual because they’re wet and really heavy.
5. Keep those gloves on.
6. Inflict no loud, high-pitched noises on thy neighbors.