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Making leaf mould

PurpleRosePurpleRose Posts: 538
in Problem solving
Hello All

I have never made Leaf Mould. 

Just lately, we have had some very high winds and there seems to be a lot of leaves which have fallen into my garden from neighbouring trees. More than a normal autumn, must be the wind direction.

I am going to gather them up with the plan of using them to make leaf mould. 

I have seen and heard a lot about it just lately. Monty was talking about it in a recent programme and from what I gather it is quite simple to do, just takes time to get to the end product, which is no issue.

I wont be using the enclosure made with chicken wire due to space. I have seen that you can use bin liners as an alternative. Have any of you used this method? Does it work? Any information would be appreciated 😁

Many thanks 

Posts

  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Yes it works.  You need to pierce lots of holes in the bags, for ventilation.  It’s also important to keep the leaves moist/wet, otherwise they won’t decompose.  I check ours once a month and water them if they are too dry.  It can take 2 years, but I have achieved sufficient decomposition in 1 year.  
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    You can speed up the process, by shovelling the leaves into a container, which is in a sunny position (heat) - I use an old water tank -  and keep it covered during very wet weather. Some leaves decompose faster then others. My trees are terrible, very waxy. Most British trees have leaves that decompose fairly fast.
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As @KeenOnGreen says - bin bags, holes , and make sure they're damp first.
    I never had to worry about wetting them again, but if it's dry where you are, then check on them and chuck some water at them if necessary.
    I just used to stack them out of sight at the side of the house, and they broke down very well after a year or so. 
    If you can shred them first with a lawnmower, it helps get them breaking down quicker too.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PurpleRosePurpleRose Posts: 538
    Thank you all for your comments. I have found it very useful 😁

    I have been out this morning and filled a bin bag . I didn't shred them with the mower as @Fairygirl suggested as I went out before I saw the comment. I have plenty more to collect, so with my next bag I will give it a go. I will maybe have a bit of an experiment going too. Some leaves shredded and some not and work out the difference in time until it has decomposed enough. Watch this space 🧐

    Just one other query. I do tie the tops of the bin bags don't I?
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    edited November 2020
    Yes - secure the tops of the bags to stop critters nesting in the bags / leaves escaping - but do it loosely so you can open them again to check on progress / water the leaves.

    I try to rake mine onto the lawn and mow them up from there. This both shreds and incorporates some grass clippings - both of which speed decomposition.

    Depending on the leaves / moisture / temp etc I usually find that by next May the leaves are sufficiently broken down to start layering them in the compost bin. That's if you just want them to become compost for use as mulch. If you want pure leaf mould leave them in the bags. 
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • PurpleRosePurpleRose Posts: 538
    Thank you 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can just soak them with a hose or a watering can - no need to open them up. Assuming you have plenty of holes in the bags.
    If they're dry - give them a shake before doing it  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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