Fall provides an abundance of leaves that can be turned into rich compost and added back into the garden to make the soil more productive. Home composting is a great way to use a natural process to add valuable nutrients and conditioners to the soil. If you have never made compost before, you might wonder how to go about it. Here’s how to compost fall leaves in a relatively simple way, with minimal cost and effort.
1. Purchase or build large compost bins five to six feet across. The large size allows for rapid heating which creates compost faster. Bins can be purchased from home stores, garden centers, or farm supply stores. Inexpensive bins can be built from chicken wire.
2. Add raked leaves to the bins alternating with layers of nitrogen material. Do not shred leaves which can lead to compacting. Nitrogen comes from green matter and can be in the form of grass clippings, green plant material, or nitrogen fertilizer. One to two cups of nitrogen fertilizer per bin or one part leaves to two parts green clippings is ideal.
3. Water layers as you build the pile. Water is necessary for decomposition. If you wait until you finish building the pile, it becomes more difficult to saturate.
4. Do not turn leaves. Fall composting does not require turning because it allows heat to escape which is needed for the composting process. Only turn in the spring.
Following these steps will produce usable compost by spring. If left untouched, leaves take two to three years to compost.
Keep in mind a few tips when composting fall leaves. First, do not compost weeds. Some seeds may not be destroyed during the heating process and may be spread around the landscape when using compost. Second, do not add protein to the compost pile. This includes meats, bones, and fat. They attract animals such as rats. Finally, to prevent the spread of disease in your yard, do not add diseased plant material to your compost pile.
If you have questions or need additional professional assistance, let TalkLocal help you. It is easy, quick, and takes just minutes.
