GARDEN TALES: Leaf mould has many benefits...

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Leaf mould has many benefits...

Last Sunday on Gardeners' Question Time (GQT) a discussion took place about how to make 'leaf mould'. The GQT panellists who gave this lecture were Anne Swithinbank & Bob Flowerdew.

First collect all the leaves you can and place the larger ones on the ground; then using a spade or a sharp shovel chop them into smaller pieces. It also helps if you pass the leaves through a shredding machine prior to stacking them in the leaf mould area (which you can build using chicken wire). Leaves can also be stored in perforated polythene bags (bin liners etc). Once the bags are full of leaves create holes in the bags using a garden fork. Always cover the leaf mould area (prevents too much rain water falling on leaves) with an old piece of carpet or tarpaulin.

During dry periods apply some rain water to the top of the heap. It is also advisable to apply some leaf rotting compound to the heap. Animal or human urine can be used - this liquid will speed up the decomposing process. Human urine contains phosphoric acid which is a good decomposing chemical.

Leaf mould is almost devoid of nutrients - its main function is as a potting compost additive and it is excellent as a soil improver when dug into the top four inches of the soil. It can also be applied to the soil surface and allowed be absorbed into the soil.