Fallen leaves take longer than other compostable material to decompose so it is best to collect these separately from your compost pile during the fall when there are a lot of fallen leaves in your garden.
Leaf mould can be prepared by following these simple steps. Garden waste can also be collected in your curbside collections at certain times of year. See your local county recycling website for details.
Collect the leaves
Add moisture if required
- If the leaves are dry add a little water to make them slightly wet.
Bag it up
- Bag the leaves in a large garden sack and poke small holes in the side to allow air to circulate. Alternatively place all the leaves in a chicken wire container.
- Wait for 1 to 2 years for the leaves to decompose.
- After 1 to 2 years the leaf mould can be used as a mulch to prevent the soil drying out and to reduce weed growth. Simply spread the material around plants and shrubs to cover the top soil.
- After 1 to 2 years the leaf mould can also be used as a soil improver by digging the leaf mould into the flower beds to mix it with the soil.
Seed Sowing Mix
- Well rotten leaf mould (left to decompose for over 2 years) can be used as a seed sowing mix. Combine equal parts of leaf mould, sharp sand and garden compost for an ideal growing medium.
- For established plants, mix well rotted leaf mould with equal parts sharp sand, garden soil and compost to make the perfect potting compost.