Turn fallen leaves into leaf mould

When to do it

When healthy leaves fall in your garden. Keep useful habitat litter where it is safe to leave it; clear paths and places where leaves could wash into drains.

What you need

• Rake and gloves
• A ventilated leaf bin or reused bag with drainage and air holes
• Water if the leaves are dry

How to do it

1. Collect leaves from safe areas, separating litter, sharp objects and suspect diseased material. Leave branches and woody prunings out of this batch.
2. Dampen dry leaves so they are moist, not dripping. Fill the ventilated container without compressing the leaves into a solid wet block.
3. Label the batch with the date and put it in a sheltered, shady spot where it can drain. Keep it away from paths and drains.
4. Check occasionally and add a little water if it dries out. This is a slow process, often a year or longer; tough leaves take longer.
5. Use partially decomposed leaves as surface mulch. Wait for a dark, crumbly result before using it as a soil conditioner. Keep it clear of stems.

What success looks like

• The pile gradually shrinks and the leaf shapes break down.
• The finished material is crumbly rather than a dry stack of intact leaves.

Watch out for

• Sealing leaves in an airtight, waterlogged container.
• Treating leaf mould as a complete fertiliser or a complete potting mix.
• Removing every bit of wildlife habitat to fill a bag.

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