Oak leave layer addition

This morning I used a push mower and mowed under several white oak trees.  The idea is to chop up the leaves so that they will compost more readily.

I then loaded up several loads of the leaves and delivered them into the southwestern side of the garden.  I had already spread a thin layer of horse manure compost in that area.  The leaves were spread on top and tromped down.  I figure that there is now about nine inches of leaves on top of the garden.

In review, we have the following layers:

chopped up oak leaves

horse manure compost

wood chip compost

horse manure compost

cardboard

buckwheat greens

bermuda grass

We have had three pretty solid frosts.  I looked at the perennial rutabaga plant in the SW corner and it did not look well.  The leaves were wilted, and full of holes.  One of the stems pulled loose from the plant as if it had rotted or been eaten.

I don't know if this means the rutabaga is curtains or if its root system has gone dormant.  I am worried about the rutabaga.

As I raked away the white oak leaves north of my goat paddock, I was impressed by the soil.  There is a lot of poison ivy vines underneath the leaves.  I wonder if I could plant something there that would grow in the shade.

To the south, there should be an area of good sunlight.  Could this be a place for paw paws and blueberries?  Maybe I could grow some amaranth plants here, or wheat or corn to feed our animals.