How to turn autumn leaves into compost

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autumn leaves

How to turn autumn leaves into compost

The rich gold, red and russet tones of autumn leaves create the most beautiful colours in our gardens, but they also represent a real headache for time-poor gardeners.

Beautiful though they are, fallen leaves can smother lawns and low-growing plants, and they can become slippery and potentially hazardous on patios and pathways. If left, leaves can also degrade the fabric of rattan garden furniture. Here’s how you can turn your autumn leaves into nutrient-rich compost:

Make collecting leaves easier

The best time to clear leaves is when they are dry, and this is when a combined leaf blower and vacuum comes into its own, as this affordable piece of kit makes light work of large piles of fallen leaves. When the weather is wet, however, a rubber rake and a pair of large plastic grabbers gets the job done effectively, and gives you a good work out in the process!

Enrich your compost

Once you’ve collected the leaves, add them to your compost heap. If they are dry when collected, water them a little and then turn the layer of leaves every few days with a fork to integrate the leaf material into the already rotted-down compost.

If you have a substantial pile of leaves, make your own leaf mould by storing the leaves in perforated black bin bags and dampening them if they get too dry. This eventually creates a rich, dense material that is ideal for mixing with potting compost, enriching the soil in raised beds or turbo-charging your vegetable patch.

Picture the verdant, constantly evolving floor of any forest or natural woodland, and you’ll see the evidence of just how beneficial it is to recycle your autumn leaves.

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