Every autumn the same leaves that clog the gutters drift across the lawn, and most of them end up at the tip. That is a waste, because given a year or two in a quiet corner they turn into the finest free soil improver going.
Why leaf mould is special
Unlike the compost heap, which is driven by bacteria and warmth, leaves break down slowly through fungi. The result is dark, crumbly and low in nutrients, which makes it brilliant for mulching, potting mixes and lightening heavy soil.
Collecting without the backache
Leaves are easiest to gather when slightly damp and still. Raking them off the lawn matters, because a thick wet mat will yellow the grass beneath in a fortnight. On the borders, you can usually leave them to rot where they fall.
- Run the mower over leaves on the lawn to shred and bag them in one pass.
- Shredded leaves rot in about half the time of whole ones.
- Keep oak, beech and hornbeam separate if you can; they make the best mould.
Where to store them
A simple cage of chicken wire and four stakes is all you need. No room for that? Cram damp leaves into bin bags, tie the top, and pierce a few holes. Stack them out of the way and forget about them.
Using the finished stuff
After a year it is a coarse mulch for spreading around shrubs. After two it is fine enough to sieve and mix into seed compost. Either way it costs nothing but a bit of raking, which is the kind of gardening sum that adds up.