How to make leaf mould #leafmould #blackgold, by the_gardengoat on YouTube. 1 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes plus 1 to 2 years t
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Leave leaves where they do no harm, such as in flowerbeds and wild corners. They shelter wildlife like hedgehogs over winter and slowly rot down into the soil.
Clear leaves from paths and lawns where they get slippery or smother the grass. Rake them into piles rather than throwing them away.
Build a simple bin from four wooden pallets tied or screwed together, or bend wire mesh into a ring. Leave one side open for easy filling.
Fill the bin with leaves as you collect them through autumn. Pile them in loosely and keep adding over the season.
Speed up the breakdown by running the mower over the leaves first. The chopped pieces rot much faster than whole leaves.
If you have no bin, stuff leaves into bin bags, tie the tops and pierce a few holes for air. Store the bags out of the way until next year.
Leave the bin or bags in a quiet corner for a year or more. Check after 12 months: crumbly, dark material means it is ready.
Spread the finished leaf mould as a mulch on beds or dig it into the soil. Use it as a soil conditioner rather than a full compost.
Tips and common mistakes
Whole leaves rot slowly, so chopping them with a mower can cut the wait noticeably.
Keep the pile damp but not soaked, and turn it once or twice a year to add air.
Do not mix in food scraps or green waste, which make it rot rather than break down into leaf mould.
Wear gloves when handling damp leaves, and take care on wet paths and lawns.
Questions
How long does leaf mould take to make?
Most leaves break down in one to two years. Chopped leaves and a damp, aired pile get there faster than whole leaves in a sealed bag.
Can I use any leaves?
Yes, but thin leaves like oak and beech rot faster than thick ones like sycamore. Avoid evergreen leaves and anything from diseased trees.
Can I put leaf mould on all plants?
It suits most beds, borders and vegetable plots as a mulch or soil improver. It is low in nutrients, so it conditions soil rather than feeding plants heavily.
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.
