The Australian Backyard Trick That Turns Fallen Leaves Into Free Garden Fertiliser |Leaf Composting|, by The Practical Aussie on YouTube. 9 min 14 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 14 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes plus 6 to 12 months
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Rake up dry fallen leaves from your lawn, driveway and garden beds. Skip leaves that are wet, mouldy or mixed with rubbish.
Shred the leaves by running a lawn mower over them or passing them through a shredder. Smaller pieces break down much faster.
Fill large black plastic bags about three quarters full with the shredded leaves. Punch a few small holes in each bag for airflow.
Add a splash of water so the leaves are damp like a wrung-out sponge, not soaking. Tie the bags loosely and shake them.
Place the bags in a shady spot out of direct sun. Alternatively, pile the leaves into a wire mesh frame about 1 metre square.
Check the bags every month or two. Add water if the leaves feel dry and turn or shake the bags to mix them.
Wait 6 to 12 months for the leaves to rot down into a dark, crumbly material. Shredded leaves are usually ready sooner.
Use the finished leaf mould as mulch around plants or dig it into soil before planting. It works as a slow-release soil improver.
Tips and common mistakes
Avoid using leaves from diseased trees or from near busy roads, as they may carry pests or pollution.
Keep the leaves damp but not waterlogged, since a soggy pile can turn slimy and smelly.
Mix in a handful of garden soil or compost to speed up the breakdown.
Leaf mould is low in nutrients compared with compost, so use it to improve soil structure rather than as a full fertiliser.
Questions
Can I compost leaves in a normal compost bin?
Yes, but leaves break down slowly and can slow the whole bin. It is better to keep them in a separate bag or frame so your regular compost stays hot.
Which leaves should I avoid?
Leaves from eucalyptus and other oily Australian natives break down very slowly. Mix them with softer leaves or shred them finely and expect a longer wait.
How do I know the leaf mould is ready?
It is ready when the leaves have lost their shape and turned into a dark, soft, earthy-smelling crumb. Any whole leaves left can go back into the next batch.
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.
