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What to do with part decomposed leaf mould?

CraighBCraighB Posts: 727
in Plants

Hi all,

A year ago I started some leafmould in a couple of black bags and I checked it today and it's only partly decomposed. So what is the best thing to do with it? Should I use it as a mulch or is that bad as it will take nitrogen from the soil?

Or should I add it to the compost heap?

Thanks :)

Last edited: 01 March 2017 19:14:58

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Posts

  • CloggieCloggie Posts: 1,455

    I think it usually takes 2 years.  I've opened one of mine from last year and found the same, when i looked it up, that's kinda the steer I was getting.

    I was surprised to find though that it should have air to prevent slimeyness so the ones I've done this year, I've poked more holes in the bags.

    It also shouldn't be dry in there though either so I'm still working on perfecting this stuff.  Interesting to follow your thread though and see what others say.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,797

    add it to the compost heap. I usually keep my leaves in bags for a while then add to our compost heaps - makes great compost image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • StevedaylillyStevedaylilly Posts: 1,087

    I normally double bag my leaves and shred them in the mower. Bigger holes in the outer bag and  smaller in the inner bag. This keeps the leaves in place as over a 2 year period. Shredding them before bagging speeds up the decomposing imo 

  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 727

    Mine isnt slimey as I did add quite a few holes and I kept it moist. It does however smell great! Very earthy smell.

    I think I will use it on the garden now as I do plan to use fertilizer. Your right though Verdun it does look great even when you hold a pile of it in your hand so I can imagine it looking lovely on the borders :)

  • AHRAHR Posts: 361

    I have never done this. But I think I'm going to give it a try this autumn. 

    I would love to see pictures of the finished stuff

  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,107

    This is what mine looked like after one year. I thought that was what I was aiming for? But reading this thread I now wonder if I should have left it for another year (actually haven't used most of it yet so while it's in bags I suppose it's still rotting).

    image image

    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • AHRAHR Posts: 361

    looks good. Is it possible to use a wheelie bin if you leave it open in the garage? 

  • CloggieCloggie Posts: 1,455

    I collect the leaves using the mower on the highest setting so in effect, they are being shredded on collection.  I then empty the full hopper into a bag.

    Hadn't thought of double-bagging.  Thanks GF Steve for the tip.

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