How to make your own Leafmould
Collect autumn leaves. Leaves can be gathered up by hand, using a lawn rake. For larger quantities, leaf hoovers are available, some of which will also shred the leaves.
All types can be mixed together. Water them, if dry, to help them rot. Pack leaves into a suitable container
Ignore them for a year or two.
Use the leafmould!
Leafmould making containers
All that you need is a secluded corner of the garden, or a simple container, to stop the leaves blowing away.
Black plastic bags can be used. When full of leaves, make a few holes in the bag with a fork and tie the top loosely.
Buy, or make, a simple container made from plastic or wire netting with a few supporting stakes. Adjust the size to suit your requirements.
Using Leaf and Leafmould
Newly fallen leaves
- Winter cover for bare soil; may have to be removed in spring for sowing and planting
- Mulch for informal paths
- Make into leamould
Young Leafmould
1 or 2 years old, depending on tree species. Leaves beginning to break up; easily crumbled in the hand.
- Mulch around shrubs, herbaceous, trees, vegetables
- Dig in as soil improver for sowing and planting
- Autumn top dressing for lawns
- Winter cover for bare soil
Well rotted leafmould
2 years old in most cases. Dark brown crumbly material, with no real trace of original leaves visible.
- Use as for 'young' leafmould above
- Seed sowing mix - Use leafmould on its own, or mixed with equal parts sharp sand and garden compost
- Potting compost - Mix equal parts well rotted leafmould, sharp sand, loam and garden compost.