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Making leafmould

in Plants
Instead of putting my leaves in plastic bags to decompose, this year I have a square container made of galvanised wire netting. It is almost full but I am not sure whether or not to cover the top. My compost heap is covered with old carpet, shall I do the same with the leaves? Is it better to leave the leaves exposed to the elements?
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When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
As stated prior they break down faster if you help them on their way by shredding, then you can either wet them or leave the top of the bag open to allow some rain in. You can control the moisture level by closing the bag once damp enough, they don't want to be swimming so plastic bags would need holes popping in the bottom. Worms come into the holes and really help break the leaves down too.
My observation on putting them in a cage is they are exposed to the elements but this includes the sun and winds drying them out which can slow the breakdown.
Plastic bags full of rotting leaves can get very heavy, this is my reason for trying a wire cage. I have sited the cage in a sheltered spot with no sun. I will cover with netting, not disturb it and wait till autumn next year.
'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.
George Bernard Shaw'