Crimson Clover and holly

[DannyRam]

I have a raised bed 1.2 meters square. I set crimson clover a few weeks ago and it is now beginning to flower. After cutting it down, do I dig it in or just cut it down and leave it on top?
Can you compost holly as it seems a bit tough for composting?

[kathyd]

Personally I'd cut it down, maybe break it up a bit if it's in big chunks, and the leave it on the top for the worms to drag down over the winter.

With holly, I'd consider shredding it first if you have the facilities and enough to make it worth it. If not, I'd probably cut it up into small pieces and leave it in a separate pile to break down slowly - I think it's a bit woody and shiny to compost with everything else. But then again, I expect someone else will disagree with me soon .

[veggiechicken]

I don't like holly leaves as they're even more prickly once dry than when green. Shredding might overcome that but I don't have one to try it anyway!!

[Sylvan]

They're good for keeping cats off your seed beds.

[mothhawk]

Holly also makes wonderfully crackly bonfires

[rustylady]

Holly leaves don't compost well. Even when the green eventually rots you're still left with the prickles

[DannyRam]

Thanks for the replies. In respect of the clover, I will get it down into small bits and leave it to the worms as suggested. However, I did set quite a lot so I can use some of it on another bed.
Shame about the holly. There doesn't seem to be a quick fix. Thanks again.

[BUFFS]

i run the mower over my holly leaves, so i dont have to handle them,about 3 barrowfuls each year,then it goes into the yearly trench i dig in the veg patch,3ft deep(old victorian patch) by 3ft wide and 6ft long,when 6ins from the surface,move the ditch along and start filling that,it takes 4yrs for me to do the whole area,so the first bit is ready to be done again and soil level has risen over 3ins,with all the compost heap contents(except the good stuff i put in the base of the tattie tubs) going in there,i dont give any additional feed,its not needed

[Two_Sheds]

I set crimson clover a few weeks ago and it is now beginning to flower.

If you're using it as a green manure, don't let it flower. It has most nutrients just before flowering.
I don't "dig" anything in: everything gets left on the surface as a mulch

Can you compost holly as it seems a bit tough for composting?

I used to compost holly (I have 2 large trees), but the thorns are vicious when they go brown, so now I burn them on the chiminea (on Nov. 5th if I can wait that long)