Turn Leaves into Nutrient-Rich Compost

[@simplifygardening]

Want to go in-depth on composting? Check out my book Composting Masterclass. www.amazon.com/Tony-ONeill/e/B09Z79VFRB/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

[@ew4267]

I wonder if everyone gardened, would the world be a better place. Thank-you for contribution.

[@billkinder5901]

I have made leaf mold two years ago, and last year. Used it for my worm bins, I have never seen so many worms is such a small area. I then used the worm castings in my raised garden beds and received very healthy and producing veggie plants, as well as my fruit-bearing plants. The use of falling tree leaves has helped my soil greatly.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Bill. Its such an under used resource and really helps the soil

[@FeliciaCravens]

We just snagged 13 bags of leaves from the neighbors' curbs, mowed over them a few times, and started our first leaf mould pile yesterday! Thanks for these tips to speed us along!

[@simplifygardening]

awesome Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

The first year in my garden, I stuffed the leaves in bin bags. I noticed that up to two years later, some were still leaves 😞. Recently I tried mowing the leaves and spreading them on the flower beds after I planted the spring bulbs. Those chopped up leaves decomposed by late spring 😀.

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah this is why you have to shred the leaves. If you dont they mat together and take an age to break down

[@davidmiller6504]

I tried on many occasions making leaf mold in small batches without success. When I obtained an allotment I tried again. This time I constructed a leaf bin and collected several dumpy bags full of leaves. This I left for 2 years without any work. Pleasantly surprised with the results. This year I have constructed another bin (this time insulated), will improve the first bin and follow the shredding advice.

[@simplifygardening]

The shedding will really speed up the process

[@raydowdy6914]

I started my first pile a couple months ago and it's doing well. However this fall I'm definitely going to try this method.

[@melodytenisch6232]

I've never done this but since hearing this I'm going to save up for a shredder. I don't have a huge garden but no matter; I still want healthy earth. Thank you. I take notes.👵🌲🌱💖🐕

[@simplifygardening]

If you have a mower use that

[@ttb1513]

Yes, a lawn mower is very powerful and effective and most people already have one. Most demos of leaf shredders show that you have to feed them leaves too slowly.

[@LiliansGardens]

Indeed we reap as we sow. Great video again.

[@simplifygardening]

thanks

[@movietigdave2]

When I had my allotment i used to make my own leaf mould and compost. It took nearly 2 years for it to be ready because I did not know about shredding them I wish I new then what I know now. Thanks very good videos keep it up .Thank you for the valuable advice. I am growing at home now in raised beds using compost and leaf mould with excellent results.

[@simplifygardening]

That's great! well you know for next time Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@torg5511]

Missed this when it came out. I've got huge, ancient elm trees all around the front of my house. Your prior videos got me to start composting some of those leaves three years ago. Thanks! Really makes great soil. This particular vid can advance my technique to compost them even faster and I'm excited to try. I've got six 90 gallon bags of leaves sitting in the dark space behind the garage. Use them as the carbon in hot composting my yard debris and kitchen scraps. I only shred them once, but can see that shredding more would speed up the decomp process. Starting to bokashi my kitchen scraps, so that I can utilize the bone material calcium in the piles. And my wife recently discovered a source of coffee grounds, so with that high nitrogen source I can start going for even faster turn around. Thanks again, Tony. You're a big help out here in Oregon, USA.

[@simplifygardening]

Sorry for the late reply. had some issues with comments not showing that they had not been answered, so I am getting through them

[@ShortCycle.]

More very useful info to use on my patch. We're right under an established oak in a neighbouring garden, but we get 75% of all leaf drop on our tiny garden.. I've struggled to get useful leaf mulch using the black bag method, it just clumps, even after 12+mths... Shredding leaves, upgrading to a bin to store it and help regulate the environment could really help me use what nature gives me in abundance each autumn!

[@Legion_One3]

Love your stuff mate, really helpful so don't don't stop!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Pal. Really appreciate your kind comment. lots coming :)

[@Rachel-pz5mo]

You and Charles Dowding are my gardening gurus ,yes i am making my own leaf compost, i go down to my local forest with a big shopper bag and fill up ,i do put some forest floor soil in it too, it's a crime not to seeing as it's like a lovely crumbly chocolate brownie full of goodness. My mum told me today she has two plastic compost bins to give me😁, so i'll use them specially for leaves. Thanks for all your amazing content you cover just about everything we need to know Tony .🤗😘

[@SuzyTopAgent]

Great compost tips, Thank You Tony. We have enjoyed composting for 3 years, still beginners, and learning but they've all done very well. Today we started new bins full of Bougainvillea and Citrus leaves along with starter compost from our last buckets, coffee grounds egg shells and kitchen waste. 👍

[@simplifygardening]

Thats awesome Suzy have you seen this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGLGh3aheMuqn5I and this one I thin you will enjoy them both kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipq9oayvr7Nmd5o

[@SuzyTopAgent]

@@simplifygardening I must be a loyal watcher, I watched them both, LOL 👌 😁

[@KevinsonofDoug]

I grew in leaves 🍁 this year I had great growth of potatoes 🥔 carrots 🥕 lettuce 🥬 onions 🧅 and so on they are now leaf mould. I’ll be doing it again the leaves 🍁 were delivered at the end of last year wintered then I used them

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent Kevin its great to hear others seeing the benefit

[@willitgrowwillitgrow1637]

HI TONY..i have been making leave mold now for 4 years..i built 4 bins...4 x 10'' 2 years into it the bins were ready now every year i alwas have one been ready ..great stuff thanks for the lesson back then great job..

[@simplifygardening]

John glad your now getting the benefits of leaf mould. Your garden is going to thank you mate :)

[@perlagalang7013]

Thank u for ur teaching about leaf composting!

[@neringag2472]

I am making leaf mould too. We have big maple tree in our garden and every Autumn garden is covered with leaves. So, I made tower of 4 recycled tyres just behind that tree . I put leaves in it and when is time to plant my tomatoes in the buckets I have ready mould. Thank you for video!

[@simplifygardening]

Thats awesome, and its such a good resource.

[@MyFamilyGarden]

some absolutely brilliant tips, especially adding soil from the forest floor

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Monty Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@MyFamilyGarden]

@@simplifygardening totally understand you've got loads on

[@keshatton2334]

Hi Tony, I am slowly working my way through your videos, having a rainy day keeps me off the allotment so i dont feel to guilty not getting on with some jobs. I have enjoyed every video i have watched of yours my biggest problem is i want to do all you do. I really must pace myself. 1 job at a time. Great job Tony

[@simplifygardening]

So nice of you Kes but there is plenty of time just do what you can when you can remember ive been making these videos for 10 years

[@jackosallotment6224]

Gotta get back down my plot to make compost bins and leaf mould bins just finding a day where not only am I free but always when it’s dry cheers 🍻

[@simplifygardening]

Dry days are few and far between atm mate. Thats the issues I have here in Wales

[@davidthescottishvegan]

I live in the North East of Scotland so don't have as much rain as Wales does but at the moment we are getting a lot of frost so can't do anything outdoors until midday and when it does rain it's turned into ice.

[@fannybuster]

Compost is the best fertilizer,And its FREE

[@simplifygardening]

Completely agree with you Fanny :)

[@smokeymcbongwater3561]

Fanny buster that's funny

[@pahlavandan3989]

Well done mate, absolutely spot on. This is gold. Missing from the modern urban garden

[@simplifygardening]

Yes I totally agree with you

[@johnsheppard8102]

brilliant , my son and me will be out gathering leaves soon the results from last year proved the value of using leave chopped with a battery charged strimmer ,

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah its great stuff

[@michaelboom7704]

I have used leaves with other items to make compost but after seeing this video I will give a try with my large composter this fall.The leaves are in endless supply once October arrives.

[@simplifygardening]

Thats brilliant it makes such a good compost. stay tuned as im in the middle of designing a home made leaf mulcher too

[@ginger_wby]

Been subscribed for a few months now and your gardening style suits my gardening goals perfectly. Much appreciated 👍

[@ginger_wby]

Or should I say "mulch appreciated"

[@simplifygardening]

Hey mark. Welcome to the channel my friend. Glad your enjoying the content, If you need anything just holla

[@MusicalMikeTube]

I used some potato grow bags which worked well. Even without shredding it only took between 6 and 9 months to produce some really lovely leaf mould.

[@simplifygardening]

Thats great Mike

[@ranxxerox6407]

Just starting my leaf mould by collecting lots of leaves from the floor of a local wood, can’t wait until next year

[@simplifygardening]

Wonderful! good luck

[@meehan302]

6 great tips Tony.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Patrick :)

[@ianthebastard8128]

It will be my first attempt at leaf mould this year, I'm sure it will be a great addition to the worm bins, of course the garden will have it's share... Thanks Tony

[@simplifygardening]

Follow these tips Ian and you will have loads next year

[@terrykingsallotmentgardening]

I had the full intention of mowing my leaves this year, but the amount I collect over 4 weeks it would take up too much of my time, ideally they need mulching where I collect them. 17 one ton bags collected so far and maybe another 6 still to collect. Excellent tutorial Tony. 🍁Happy Gardening........🍂Terry King 🍁

[@simplifygardening]

I collected 30 last year. However it does take an age. But have an idea to speed that up so stay tuned

[@terrykingsallotmentgardening]

@@simplifygardening looking forward to it.

[@tunnelliner.47]

Good advice, will be starting once the lime trees start shedding.

[@simplifygardening]

Great lots of leaves to come shortly

[@LiliansGardens]

Leaf mould, aftr i've collected about 20 bags I lookout of my window for yet there's more leaves. I know one day so many of us will be makingleaf mould and the railway lines will stopp getting clogged with leaves. Thanks for the video, I always want to do things better than last year.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks use them while you can

[@simplifygardening]

If you enjoyed this leaf mould video, then check this one out that has further information in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXbUZJuPgamEhMU

[@simplifygardening]

nice

[@dianac2596]

Great video! I compost leaves but this video has shown me several new ways . Thanks so much.🙏

[@simplifygardening]

Great glad it helped Dians 😉👍

[@riverunner9978]

I shred with my mower and add into my garden and they make lovely soil!

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah exactly and the soil life will thank you for it too

[@shellygardner31]

That was great advice. I mow up my leaves in the fall and spring and just throw them back into the woods. I'm going to check my favorite dump places and see whats under the 5" p[les that live between the hudge bolders and the trees. Thanks

[@simplifygardening]

Sounds great SHelly your going to be suprised on what you find there

[@flyandfizz]

Thanks Tony, Brilliant Video …

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Alan, Glad it was of interest mate

[@traumadnb4580]

I subscribed to your channel a couple of weeks ago. I stumbled across some of your content when I was looking for some spud tips. Your knowledge is spot on and this will be my go to channel for any future advice/tips/ideas i'll need. thanks for the content mate. its nice to finally find someone who knows what they're talking about and happy to teach. respect to you

[@ThisisHowieDewitt777]

Thank you Tony for all your help my 1st Garden went very good this year, I'll be better prepared for next year,

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent! howard Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@adevonnaturegarden]

Just made a couple pallet compost bins and have nearly filled them already. we are lucky enough that our street is lined with trees and the wind etc seems to decide that we are the driveway to choose to stack them. Need to get back on top of the garden etc in 2020. Hope you have had a good Christmas and all the best for the year ahead, Glenn

[@simplifygardening]

So awesome to have all those leaves

[@adevonnaturegarden]

@@simplifygardening yeah it is. Just securing the rear of the garden more then going to make 5 or 6 compost bins in the 'waste' area at the rear of the property. Looking forward to it and they will be ready for the autumn hedge trimming and dead leaves. Cant wait to start making my own more

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

I love composting leaves, more so than other things. But I turn the compost and add kitchen scraps. I'm going to try your method instead, to just let it sit and let the fungus take over. There are a couple of parks nearby that have mulberry trees which make A LOT of leaves I'm planning on picking up. I'm in a warm climate and the leaves won't really fall until December. Thanks for the video.

[@melvyntoppo678]

Will try and let you know

[@simplifygardening]

Great

[@frankjones408]

I also layer some horse manure to my leafs, just a small shovel about each foot or so. The heat causes the leaf to mulch much faster due to the heat from the manure. The worms love it also and grow and multiply.

[@simplifygardening]

great tips Sorry for the late reply. had some issues with comments not showing that they had not been answered, so I am getting through them

[@markshaw5835]

It's my first attempt this year. I really need to get hold of more leafs to be fair. Hoping it will work a treat

[@frankcoldwell4424]

Mine too, from a non fruiting cherry on my estate. There’s some massive Sycamore trees, along with countless seeds which I don’t want...

[@wulf659]

leaves

[@markshaw5835]

@@frankcoldwell4424 my nan cherry tree never fruited this year but last year she was un indated with them.

[@simplifygardening]

Stick with it Mark. You will find it will break down about 15 times the size when finished

[@narongchaiyatha1501]

Many thanks for your kind sharing; you have great contributions to all creatures; world societies

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks and glad it was of interest to you Narong

[@shephusted2714]

mass is a big one for composting - and a thermometer you want between 100-120F - you are correct in saying with big piles you can keep them going through the winter - cover with a black tarp and orientate pile the be facing south - you can speed the process up significantly with proper monitoring and always keep adding more it adds up #black gold

[@simplifygardening]

Yes it is build it high and bog and you will get great compost at the end of it

[@CRHall-ud9mq]

Thanks UK Here We Grow, BIG thumbs up for Tony! :-)

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks very much. Always like a thumbs up :)

[@UKscrapper]

Great information Tony thankyou for sharing

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks mate. glad it was of interest. I have another 2 videos on leaf mould too

[@UKscrapper]

@@simplifygardening will check them out

[@thelittlefarmersfarm5706]

Great Upload as ever mate... GOLDEN ENRICHMENT... ATB Tony M

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks pal. sorry about the late reply Im trying to get through 3,700 comments

[@peterstevens4223]

G00D Afternoon from Auckland, New Zealand it’s Sunday, November 24, 2019

[@melodytenisch6232]

😊🌱

[@simplifygardening]

Hey Peter..wrong time of year for you but give it 6 months it be perfect

[@annmatthews3579]

Great advice Tony

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Ann. Glad it was of interest

[@Elaine-br4lw]

I collect leaves from friends and put them thick in my garden paths and when they break down I shovel it up and put it in my garden beds, then repeat.

[@simplifygardening]

great way to break them down elaine

[@gailkenworthy2071]

Going to give it ago this year Tony..fingers crossed 🤗

[@simplifygardening]

Good luck Gail. If you have any questions just fire away

[@carolparrish194]

Very good video. I would like to mention a funny thing that happened to my daughter and I when we went into the woods to get some leaf mold. We were scooping up leaf mold when we uncovered a baby snake. It gave us quite a scare. I can laugh now but at the time it wasn't funny.

[@simplifygardening]

Oh wow Carol. I bet it wasnt. Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@3_16]

Thank you 💚

[@stevendowden2579]

lovely compost lovely video

[@simplifygardening]

Cheers Steven

[@sarahodonnell6957]

Going to try this 🙌🏻❤️

[@simplifygardening]

Please do Sarah. you will love leaf mould when you have it. It is a great resource

[@rebeccaorozco8222]

Your an Amazing gardener and teacher! Love watching all your video's they are always full of great advice nd helpful tips!!! :) Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving ❤

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Rebecca. Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@thelittlefarmersfarm5706]

Such a cracking upload this one Tony... Saved to a playlist and uploaded to FB Mate... Good on ya pal. :-) "Keep growin wit yed down brother" ATB Guru M

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you enjoyed it Tony Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@henryedwards6994]

Love your videos Tony. I’ve got a spare council wheelie bin I was going to use for making leaf mould, do I need to put holes around the sides to let the air circulate?

[@simplifygardening]

If you can put a few in it as the fungal spores will need air, but not like compost does

[@TheKlink]

my mum's method is black bags in a shopping trolley in the back garden, never shreds her leaves though.

[@simplifygardening]

They will all break down. shredding just speeds the process up greatly

[@christinefennell500]

I started my leaf mold piles!!!!! We ran out of dry days to chip the leaves and now I'll have to pile up the whole leaves and wait till spring to chip them. My worry is that rodents-skunks mostly will nest in the leaf piles over winter. What do you think? Thanks. You've helped me so much!

[@tomcollier4089]

Thank you for the tips...I am quite sure that you have helped me greatly! I shall sub. and peruse your channel.

[@simplifygardening]

Welcome to the channel Tom. Glad you decided to stop by. There is nearly 400 videos so dig around and see what else can help you out :)

[@annjones3672]

Hello Mr. Tony! I need leaf mold in 3 months. Any tips? I'm kidding. I like the idea of the black garbage bags. My biggest problem is going to be the shredding. I can run over them with the riding mower but it tends to just break them down so small that they disappear. Not sure how else to do it. Keep the videos coming. You are one of my favorites!

[@tomcollier4089]

maybe on concrete when there is no wind, or use a bagger if you can. I can't, but I just found a real use for my blower that sucks and shreds. the electric ones are fairly inexpensive....but I lost the bag....so almost same problem here!

[@simplifygardening]

Ann do you have a catch box on the ride on mower? if so use that and then pile it high

[@annjones3672]

@@simplifygardening, no I haven't got a catch box - wish I did so I could utilize the grass clippings. Might have to invest in one. The neighbors down the road have one and constantly empty it in the same pile. Love to get my hands on the clippings on the bottom of that pile! Yes, I asked and they said no!

[@groussac]

Sounds like you have a large area if you're using a riding mower. The grass thanks you for the leaf mulch, but if you want to collect it for the garden, suggest raking the leaves into a pile and running a push mower through it. You can then collect the powder and particles for a direct application to the garden. It breaks down pretty fast, and is pretty easy to work with when it comes to spring planting. The mower method works best on a hard surface (a sidewalk or patio) because the leaf mulch can be hard to rake up from the grass. CAUTION: keep a broom handy to remove leaf powder from the carburetor. Otherwise, the leaf powder can ignite. Good luck!

[@coastbill]

Did you vacuum up wet leaves with your leaf blower? I thought that it would gum up the impeller.

[@simplifygardening]

Bill if you have a steel impeller it doesnt stick

[@coastbill]

@@simplifygardening Just my luck, mine's plastic.

[@thelittlefarmersfarm5706]

Hi Tony, While I was watching this, it reminded me that you were trying Mushrooms on Logs... How are they doing mate?

[@simplifygardening]

Sorry for the late reply. had some issues with comments not showing that they had not been answered, so I am getting through them

[@FoodForestPermaculture]

Nice intel

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Sorry for the late reply. had some issues with comments not showing that they had not been answered, so I am getting through them

[@FoodForestPermaculture]

@@simplifygardening All good here peace

[@timconnell4570]

In your example how long does it produce heat? As im thinking of using it to heat a small greenhouse

[@d65-m1x]

i had 3 dump truck loads of leaves dropped off by me. does this same process work when in a climate that gets well below freezing all winter? adding water probably wouldnt be an option.

[@alexiswilliams4721]

Another great video Tony, diolch yn fawr eto. Do you cover your compost bins in winter? I'm wondering how to cover mine, I got two 320 litre bins, one is full of ready compost and the other is still being added to but is full at the moment using the lasagne layering method. I have just the tops covered with black pond liner but was wondering if I should insulate them more during the cold weather? Do they still need air during the colder months?

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Alexis. Try and find some old carpets to put on them just to stop the freeze getting right to the center. In winter leave them and they will slowly decompose

[@alifewithluna4134]

I am so excited to try this! One question; if I choose to do the list and chicken wire method, What do I cover it with? Should I wrap it with a plastic bag? Thanks in advance

[@simplifygardening]

Yes you can! carpet would be better something to keep in the warmth

[@grahamthomas6283]

Hi Tony another great video I do the same leaf's are GT for the ground question can you recommend a name !!! For Sharp sand I want to add to my skill when potting on thanks for all your time and information thanks again for your help 🐞🐦👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@simplifygardening]

Ho mate, I just go and buy horticultral sand in make is fine as they are pretty much the same, You can use builders sharp sand but dont use playpit sand

[@beena8510]

Thanks.👍

[@simplifygardening]

Anytime

[@commentscorner617]

are 'fresh' green leaves considered nitrogen or carbon? Thanks.

[@pareshkhakharia9103]

Thank you very much for sharing your expertise. at 5 mins and 25 seconds into the video when you are sayin - the leaf pile needs to be moist, you are seen to be adding some forest soil rich in fungal into a watering can, how much soil are you adding? Also, you said to add the same forest soil in the pile, how much soil is to be added? Thank you for your help.

[@simplifygardening]

Great tip!

[@preciousmetalhead5155]

I mix all my leaves into my late summer/fall greens and grass clippings. Is there a special benefit to leaf mold over composted leaves?

[@simplifygardening]

Leaf mould is fantastic to add to potting soil or use as a mulch, its very light so aids in water retention and keeping the weeds down

[@stephenluna7932]

Can you use this type of compost as a medium to grow potatoes in buckets

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Stephen Sorry for the late reply. I have been unwell. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@johnbeattie9561]

Doing this for the first time myself as well as compost so looking forward to see how it all goes next year. Can i ask a question on compost please, we burn peat to heat the house and when you get to the bottom of a bag it's all dust and small bits can i add this to my compost pile also as well as peat we burn logs most are soft wood, the ash from the peat and wood is very fine can this also be added to my compost. Thanks for the tips Tony.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes john both can be added to your compost. treat them as a brown or carbon source

[@johnbeattie9561]

@@simplifygardening Many thanks Tony

[@asoriga]

Regarding the leaf pile, how much air is needed for fast decomposition into leaf mold? Can we leave the shredded leaves in the one ton bag and cover it or does it need more oxygen? Great channel, great info, thank you.

[@simplifygardening]

No leave them in the shredded bag they will turn into leaf mould fine

[@chenwang7114]

Hi, Tony! You motivated me to make my first attempt. I'm wondering how much leaf mould you could get from 1 m3 shredded leaves? Thank you!

[@simplifygardening]

Itcwill reduce about 10 fold

[@kqueenkqueen1290]

Hi Tony I am from UK, but living in Mauritius at present. We are now getting into our winter season. The region I am living in is extremely wet and I find that a lot of plants rot at the base. I find that moisture loving plants like Elephant Ear grows well here. I did hear in your comment that water runs off the leaves and so should I just throw leaves on my plot before composting. Would that help in less water being absorbed into the soil. Thanks

[@simplifygardening]

Yes they will matt together and shed water like a tarp

[@kqueenkqueen1290]

Thank you for your prompt reply Tony. I also enjoyed your video on composting of leaves. I will use your method soon. Much appreciated 👍

[@gillyxzx]

Where are you located fella, I'm in the Hengoed area and you look and sound like you could be local to me?

[@binodlimbu2496]

First of all thanks for the vedio.My question is can we put waste veg kitchen waste at the same time with the leaves?

[@simplifygardening]

If you want to make normal compost yes. But if you want leaf mould its just leaves I am afraid

[@jacksparrow1588]

What leaf shredder do you use? What model?

[@simplifygardening]

I use a leaf vac dustdevil but im making a leaf mulcher this year which will be better Sorry for the late reply. had some issues with comments not showing that they had not been answered, so I am getting through them

[@moirajohnston9984]

I have a mulching attachment on my 3-in-1 mower and wonder whether this would be suitable for getting the leaves as small as possible. Has anyone tried this please?

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Moira. yes it would Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Are we still allowed to gather leaves?

[@alisont4391]

no, not a good idea

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

lizzie Atherfold in London the council sweepers sweep them bag them and goes to landfill you would be doing the environment a favour by collecting them and using them

[@simplifygardening]

we are here Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@simplifygardening]

There are many places to collect leaves from Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@onalennasehume4586]

Lol, this morning I almost burn my hand while turning my compost heap. The composting process was working a little bit too well hahahahaha

[@simplifygardening]

Oh no! cool it by spreading it out a little Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@berghauss]

​ You do not need to cool the pile. Mine reach 73 degrees, although then some bacterial populations die, this also slows down the process slightly so that the pile stabilizes itself. Just make sure the pile is in the right proportions, with enough moisture and enough air. I, too, at first panicked to cool the piles, but then one time I didn't have time to intervene and nothing really shocking happened, I haven't cooled things down since.

[@malk1275]

am lucky got woods 10 mins from me so loads of leafs

[@alisont4391]

Why not leave the leaves in the forest, recycle the leaves from your garden and from trees in the neighbouring streets and houses?

[@simplifygardening]

Malk make sure you get there and collect them up pal

[@jennyhemfjell8876]

have u hear about air pruning?

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Jenny. What do you need to know?

[@justalex138]

add some edible mushroom spoors.. it will speed up the breakdown and you will get a small harvest of edible shrooms. maybe shiitake or king stropharia

[@simplifygardening]

Great idea Alex, Funny enough I have morels growing in the woodchip paths

[@justalex138]

dude....if you have morels growing, cut one up and "seed" your whole pile of leaves!

[@vexedism]

Ive read that some tree leaves are actually bad for growth.Oak and Black Walnut being the main culprits.Any views on this?

[@dhammon64]

I use both Walnut and oak leaves and have no issues.

[@kevinconcannon5810]

I've read that only deciduous leaves should be used - so should never add leaves of cherry laurel for example. Other than that, not aware of any restrictions re types of deciduous leaves.

[@simplifygardening]

Oak and walnut have been known to inhibit growth. However once its broken down into leaf mould the active ingredients are broken down and no longer cause an issue. Oak takes longer to break down though

[@PCMenten]

Tony, I can make leaf mold (mould) in about 6-7 weeks. Most of what you say to do is the same as my process. The exception is that I attempt to prevent air from getting into the shredded leaves. The pile of shredded leaves, usually at least a cubic yard at first, stays hot during decomposition. Red wiggler worms eventually find their way in if I don’t keep the pile isolated from the soil. That’s not a terrible outcome but it’s not always what I intend, so if you want to save leaf mold for use without it being consumed/converted into worm castings then keep it away from sources of worms.

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah what your making is comost there though Paul, but it makes no difference, But much better if you allow the time for the fungi to get hold as this gets transferred to your soils

[@PCMenten]

UK Here We Grow; Tony, after I discovered my process, I found a research paper that explained why covering the compost causes this rapid breakdown. The air in the pile must become hypoxic to support the rapid growth of fungi - 1% Oxygen. The process is called ‘retting’. Retting breaks down the cellulose in the leaves.

[@simplifygardening]

@@PCMenten Ill take a look at that paper. Thanks for bringing it to my attention Paul :)

[@PCMenten]

UK Here We Grow - Tony, how can I reach you offline? I’ll send you the links to the research if I have an email address.

[@simplifygardening]

@@PCMenten send me an email. [e-mail]

[@familieglennon8031]

I have access to "unlimited" amounts of leaves! This seems a lot easier than composting with greens and browns, so why should I bother compostning?

[@markprobert7177]

So turning a new leaf is wise, and you won't be barking up wrong tree.

[@simplifygardening]

lol MARK Sorry for the late reply. A load of comments said they were responded to even though they were not. I am slowly working through them all.

[@thenaturekid3739]

Worms aren't insects.

[@simplifygardening]

Im aware of that :)

[@sydneygardener540]

Leaf mould leaf conditioner…. Not compost as the septics would call it

[@jamesgoacher1606]

All I have to do now is sneak out at the dead of night to gather the urban leaf fall without neighbours wondering what this strange elderly idiot is doing. :-) Not sure how I am going to shread them though. A lot of them are Horse Chestnut. Why on earth Horse Chestnut trees were planted in an Urban environment. Poor things.

[@simplifygardening]

Dont sneak, get out there and collect and if your neighbours ask, then say your collecting the leaves and ask them when they bag theirs up to let you have them

[@TTTzzzz]

The forest floor and leaves have very few nutrients. A tree gets it's nutrients from the air, not from the ground. The ground serves as a water reservoir. Composted leaves are excellent to enhance soil structure. But do not add nutrients.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks for sharing