The Clever Way Gardeners Make Soil From Leaves, by Malcolm Ashby's Garden on YouTube. 27 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 27 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes plus 6 to 24 months
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Rake up fallen leaves from your lawn, paths and borders. Keep them separate from other garden waste and avoid leaves that are wet with oil or litter.
Shred the leaves by running a lawn mower over them or tipping them into a shredder. Smaller pieces break down much faster than whole leaves.
Pick a spot out of full sun. Build a wire mesh bin about 1 metre square, or fill large bin bags punched with a few air holes.
Pile the leaves loosely into the bin or bags. Don't pack them tight, because the fungi that break leaves down need airflow.
Water the pile until it is damp like a wrung-out sponge. Add water during dry spells so it never dries out completely.
Leave the pile to work. Turn it with a fork every few months to let air in and check the moisture.
Check after 6 to 12 months. Small, soft leaves like birch and hornbeam may be ready, while oak and beech take up to 2 years.
Use the finished leaf mould when it is dark, crumbly and smells earthy. Dig it into beds as a soil conditioner or spread it as mulch.
Tips and common mistakes
Oak, beech and sycamore leaves rot slowly, so shred them well or expect a longer wait.
Keep the pile damp but not soggy, since a dry pile stalls and a waterlogged one smells sour.
Don't add leaves from diseased trees or evergreens in bulk, as thick waxy leaves break down very slowly.
Store finished leaf mould in bags over winter and use it as a seed-sowing mix or mulch in spring.
Questions
Can I make leaf mould in bin bags?
Yes. Fill strong bags with damp shredded leaves, punch a few holes for air, tie the tops and store them out of the sun. Check moisture every few months.
How do I know when leaf mould is ready?
It turns dark brown, crumbly and earthy-smelling, with few whole leaves left. If you can still see leaf shapes, give it more time and turn the pile.
Can I add leaves to my compost heap instead?
You can, but leaves are high in carbon and break down slowly. Mixing a few in is fine, though a separate leaf pile gives better results.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
