How to Make Leaf Mould: A Natural Fertilizer for Your Garden

As a gardener, you are always looking for ways to improve the health of your plants and soil. One way to do this is by using leaf mould. This natural fertilizer is easy to make and can be used to improve the quality of your soil. In this article, we will show you how to make leaf mould and use it in your garden.

What is Leaf Mould?

Leaf mould is simply decomposed leaves that have turned into a crumbly, dark brown material. It's a rich source of nutrients and an excellent soil conditioner. When added to your soil, it helps retain moisture, improves drainage, and provides a slow-release of nutrients to your plants.

You can use leaf mould as a mulch or mix it with compost to create a nutrient-rich soil mix. It's also great for adding to potting mixes for container gardening.

How to Make Leaf Mould

The process of making leaf mould is simple. Here are the steps:

1. Rake up leaves in the fall when they have fallen from trees. You can also gather them in the spring if you missed them in the fall.
2. Shred the leaves into small pieces. You can use a lawnmower or a leaf shredder for this. Alternatively, you can put them in a garbage bag and run over them with a car.
3. Place the shredded leaves in a pile or bin. If you don't have a bin, you can make one out of chicken wire or fencing material.
4. Add water to the pile to keep it moist. The ideal moisture level is around 50%. Use a hose or watering can to add water as needed.
5. Turn the pile occasionally to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. You can use a pitchfork or shovel for this.
6. After 6-12 months, your leaf mould should be ready to use. It will be crumbly and dark brown in color.

Using Leaf Mould in Your Garden

Now that you have made your own leaf mould, it's time to use it in your garden. Here are some ways to do so:

• Spread a layer of leaf mould around the base of your plants as a mulch. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide a slow-release of nutrients to your plants.
• Mix leaf mould with compost to create a nutrient-rich soil mix. You can use this to fill raised beds or containers.
• Use leaf mould as a top dressing for your lawn. It will help improve the soil structure and provide nutrients to your grass.

Tips for Making Great Leaf Mould

Here are some tips to help you make the best leaf mould possible:

• Shred your leaves before adding them to the pile. This will speed up the decomposition process and create a finer end product.
• Keep your pile moist but not soaking wet. Too much water can slow down the decomposition process and create a slimy mess.
• Add a nitrogen source to your pile to speed up the decomposition process. You can use grass clippings, manure, or blood meal for this.
• Turn your pile every few weeks to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.
• Use different types of leaves in your pile for a more diverse end product. Some leaves, like oak and holly, take longer to decompose than others, so it's good to have a mix.

Autumn leaves on the ground

Leaf mould is a fantastic natural fertilizer that is easy to make and use in your garden. With just a few simple steps, you can turn fallen leaves into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will improve the health of your plants and soil. So why not give it a try this fall?

organic gardening, composting, sustainable gardening, natural fertilizers