Turn your leaves into rich garden amendment for your plants.
Composting creates a closed-loop system by keeping and putting back rich-nutrients into the ecosystem.
Why Compost Leaves?
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Composting leaves is a natural way to recycle and put back minerals and nutrients into the soil.
And composting leaves means less going to the garbage dump.
Shredding leaves isn’t required but can make the process easier and faster in the long run.
Shredded leaves shorten the breakdown process in the compost.
Don’t worry if you don’t want to or can’t shred them.
When adding whole leaves, mix them into the compost pile to avoid matting.
Meanwhile, greens or nitrogen consist of grass clippings, kitchen waste, and manure.
The recommended ratio is 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen based on weight or 30:1, she adds.
Place a layer of greens, then browns, then greens and so on to create a compost pile.
“Layering compost is important because it allows for better aeration,” says Van Tassel.
Place it in a sheltered location where it won’t be affected by wind or too much sun.
Have Smaller Pieces
The size of all the material influences how quickly it decomposes.
“Stiffer, woody materials should be cut into smaller pieces to speed things along.”
Water the Pile
Compost needs nitrogen and carbon, along with oxygen and water to decompose properly.
If it rains, you likely don’t need to add any water.
Check the pile to ensure that it’s moist but not soggy or sopping wet.
If a pile is too wet or too dry it will impede the breaking down process.
Turning the pile aerates the compost and helps with the decomposition process.
A well-made pile will become hot in the middle.
Turning the pile daily will speed up the process.
“Skipping days can add weeks to the process,” says Turner.
Pick up some compost, which will be crumbly, and sniff it.
“It will smell clean and earthy like the forest,” says Van Tassel.
Check for important critters, too.
“Earthworms will be present in a good compost pile,” she adds.
“Leaf mold makes an excellent mulch and soil conditioner.”
Create your pile, turn it, and then begin again once the compost is ready.
Cover the Pile
Compost that is decomposing properly will heat up in the middle.
If this isn’t occurring, put a cover on the pile so the temperature doesn’t' dissipate.
On rainy days, a cover also prevents a pile becoming too wet or soggy.
