What are the results if you use dried leaves as organic mulch for tomato plants?

Question

What are the specific characteristics of tomato plants if applied with dried leaves as organic mulch?

Answer 1

All organic mulches are beneficial in keeping moisture from evaporating and keeping soil temperature constant. Dried leaves are great, but should be shredded first to provide better air circulation.

Mulch should not be applied in a layer greater than two inches. If it becomes matted down due to rain, it should be stirred up and/or turned to avoid suffocating the plants it is around. Also, don't pile up mulch right up to the stalk of the tomato plant - leave about 3 to 5 inches around the plant stalk clear of mulch. That will allow air to circulate and discourage insect damage to the base of the plant.

Tomato plants that are mulched hardly need to be watered at all. A deep soaking once a month if there is no rain should do it. Feed every other deep watering to encourage fruit setting and increased production.

NOTE: Mulching sometimes causes an increase in damage from ground insects. You may want to spread some diatomaceous earth around the base of tomato plants if that becomes a problem.

Answer 2

I save all the leaves I rake each fall and use them on my garden later. I first place a layer of old newspapers to keep weeds from growing and throw the leaves on top of that. I plant Celebrity tomatoes, which are a bit sweeter and less acid than others, and that, combined with the papers and leaves, gives me a pretty garden that produces tons of the best tomatoes from late June until frost. After the tomatoes stop producing, I remove the cages and plants, till the soil, throw down a bit of dog food, and cover that with old news papers and more leaves. The little garden worms are attracted to the dog food and keep the soil soft through the winter. Come spring, my garden is ready to start again. Good luck.