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Gardening

Using Fallen Leaves to Make Leaf Mould

(4 Posts)
BlackScreenn Fri 30-Jan-26 06:34:09

Hi everyone, I’d like to share a simple way I compost fallen leaves in my garden, which has worked quite well for me.

First, I collect the dry leaves around the garden and tear them into smaller pieces if they are large, as this helps them break down faster. I then place the leaves in a corner of the garden or in a compost bin, layering them with some moist materials such as fresh grass, vegetable kitchen scraps, or a bit of garden soil. This helps balance the dry leaves with some moisture.

I keep the pile slightly moist, not too wet, and turn it gently from time to time to allow air in. If I compost leaves on their own, the process is slower and can take several months, but the result is a lovely leaf mould that improves soil structure and is great for plants.

I’ve found this method easy and practical, especially when there’s no rush. I hope this is useful, and I’d love to hear how others here compost their garden leaves.

Farmor15 Fri 30-Jan-26 08:30:09

We just sweep them up and put in strong plastic sack ( old fertilizer bag or similar). Some will be damp so no need to add anything else. Stand on leaves in sack to squash down before adding more. They take a year or so to completely break down, but good leaf mould results and there are always some sacks from previous years to use.
I use it at the bottom of planters to make a good, moisture retaining layer.

henetha Fri 30-Jan-26 11:27:02

Yes, I've made leaf mould simply by leaving them in a plastic bin liner all winter.

Ilovedogs22 Fri 30-Jan-26 12:01:40

Leaf mould is wonderful indeed!
There is a little old Italian man, in one of our local parks & every year, he's there with his rake & bags; collecting -up the good stuff.
He knows when he's on to a good thing!