How To Make Leaf Mould

If you're looking for a way to turn fallen leaves into something useful, leaf mould is a great option. Leaf mould is an organic material that's perfect for conditioning soil and improving plant growth. It's also incredibly easy to make, as all you need are some fallen leaves and a bit of patience. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of making your own leaf mould.

Gathering Leaves

The first step in making leaf mould is gathering leaves. You can use any type of leaf, but some are better than others. Ideally, you want to use leaves that break down quickly and easily, such as oak, maple, or beech leaves. Avoid using leaves from evergreen trees, as they take longer to break down.

Once you've gathered your leaves, you'll want to shred them into small pieces. This will help speed up the decomposition process. You can use a lawnmower with a bag attachment to do this, or simply run over the leaves with a rake or mulching mower.

A pile of oak leaves

Creating the Leaf Pile

Now that you have shredded leaves, it's time to create the leaf pile. Choose a spot in your yard that's out of the way and won't be disturbed. You can create the pile directly on the ground, but it's best to lay down a layer of chicken wire or hardware cloth first to keep the pile contained.

Begin by forming a circle of leaves about three feet wide. Once you have a circle, begin adding more leaves, compacting them as you go. Water the pile occasionally to keep it moist, but not wet. If it gets too dry, it will slow down the decomposition process.

A leaf pile surrounded by chicken wire

Patience is Key

One of the most important things to remember when making leaf mould is that it takes time. You won't have usable leaf mould for at least six months, and it may take up to two years depending on the climate and the types of leaves you used. However, if you're patient, you'll be rewarded with a rich, dark humus that's perfect for improving your garden soil.

During the first few months, you should turn the pile occasionally to help speed up the decomposition process. You can do this with a pitchfork or a garden fork. After six months, you can stop turning the pile and let it sit until it's completely broken down.

Ready-to-use leaf mould

Using Your Leaf Mould

Once your leaf mould is ready, you can use it to improve your garden soil. Simply spread a layer of leaf mould over the top of your soil, and then work it in with a garden fork. The leaf mould will help improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide nutrients to your plants.

You can also use leaf mould as a mulch around your plants. Spread a layer of leaf mould around the base of each plant, taking care not to cover the stems. The leaf mould will help suppress weeds and retain moisture around the roots.

Mulch made from leaf mould

Making your own leaf mould is a simple and inexpensive way to improve your garden soil and promote healthy plant growth. By following these easy steps, you can turn fallen leaves into a valuable resource that will benefit your garden for years to come. So why not give it a try?

Oak leaves, maple leaves, beech leaves, compost, gardening, soil improvement