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TOP TIP: Run your lawn mower at its highest setting, and let it suck up the leaves. The blades will chop them up, and they will decompose more quickly!<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

How to Build a Leafmould Cage<\/h2>\n

Leaves will break down more quickly in a ventilated cage. It\u2019s easy to make one for yourself:<\/p>\n

\n
1. Hammer four small posts into the ground.<\/li>\n
2. Attach chicken wire around the four posts, creating a small enclosure.<\/li>\n
3. Fill with your leaves!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   Simple!<\/p>\n

   If the leaves are dry, give them a brief watering, and check every few months for dry areas. Turn the leaves over with a garden fork now and then to keep them moist.<\/p>\n

   Alternatively, an even easier way to create a little leafmould factory is to gather your leaves in sturdy black plastic bags:<\/p>\n

   \n
   1. Gather your leaves, and press them down, so the bags are well filled,<\/li>\n
   2. Tie up the ends of the bag.<\/li>\n
   3. Use your garden fork to create several air holes in the plastic (to stop the leaves from turning into a revolting, stinky soup!).<\/li>\n
   4. And leave them somewhere in your garden, where they’re unlikely to be disturbed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      How long does it take to make Leafmould?<\/h2>\n

      Leafmould takes longer than composting because it relies on fungal decomposition. It generally takes around two-three years for the best outcomes.<\/p>\n

      Avoid topping up your leafmould cage as you’ll disturb the decomposition. Some people have two leafmould cages for rotation. Once you’re going, you’ll have Leafmould every year for your flowerbeds and veg patch.<\/p>\n

      How do I know my Leafmould is ready?<\/h2>\n

      Leafmould should have a lovely, crumbly consistency. It will look like stone-free standard earth but will be a little darker in tone.<\/p>\n

      As mentioned, it should be ready in two years. But it\u2019s even better after three, so if you have the patience, it\u2019s worth the wait.<\/p>\n

      If there are lumps and stones in your Leafmould, you could sieve it, leaving a lovely, fine potting soil. It makes a wonderfully nutritious growing compound for seeds and young potted plants when mixed with weed-free garden soil.<\/p>\n

      What do I do with leafmould?<\/h2>\n

      Leaf mould is excellent for improving the structure of your soil. If you have heavy clay soil, Leafmould helps “lighten” the heaviness, improving the drainage. If you have sandy soil, Leafmould adds structure that helps maintain moisture.<\/p>\n

      Lay a thick layer of the Leafmould over the top of your soil and dig it in.<\/p>\n

      If you can’t wait for complete decomposition, you can use young Leafmould as mulch, helping suppress weeds in your flowerbeds and around your veg. Add between 3-5cm on the top layer of the soil, around the base of your plants – don’t dig it in.<\/p>\n

      Ready to mulch?<\/h4>\n

      So next time you ask yourself \u201cwhat do I do with autumn leaves?\u201d give a thought to starting your very own leafmould factory.<\/p>\n

      And if you have any questions about leadmould (or about anything lawn and garden-related), we\u2019d love to hear from you. Get in touch, and we\u2019ll be happy to help.<\/p>\n

      Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Don’t just chuck your fallen leaves into the compost. Leafmould (aka leafmold) makes a wonderful soil condition, mulch, and potting compound! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3850,"featured_media":77,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[72,75,74,73],"class_list":["post-929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-autumn-leaves","tag-fallen-leaves-fallen-leaves","tag-leafmold-leafmold","tag-leafmould-leafmould"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n