Benefits of Leaf Mold and Making It
Leaf Mold
Leaf mold is the result of letting leaves sit and decompose over time. It is dark brown to black, has a pleasant earthy aroma and a crumbly texture, much like compost. Leaf mold is just that; composted leaves. Instead of adding a bunch of organic matter to a pile, you just add leaves. Leaf mold is wonderful for improving soil texture and fertility and is a superior soil amendment. It doesn't provide much in the way of nurtition, so you will still need to add compost or other organic fertilizers to increase fertility. Leaf mold is essentially a soil conditioner. It increases the water retention of soils up to 50%.
There are a couple of ways you can make leaf mold. It's easy! One method is to pile your leaves in a corner of the yard or into a bin. The pile or bin should be at least three feet wide and tall. Pile up your leaves, and thoroughly dampen the entire pile. I like to sprinkle as I add to the pile. Let it sit and check your moisture level occasionally during dry periods and adding water when necessary.
The other method of making leaf mold requires a large plastic garbage bag. Fill the bag with leaves and dampen them. Seal the bag and then cut some holes or slits in the bag to allow air flow. Let it sit and check moisture level, adding if necessary.
As with compost you do not want to add to much water. You want it moist, not soggy. The one thing about leaf mold is that it does take time. six to nine months. They are basically carbon, which takes longer to break down than nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings. The nice thing about making leaf mold, is that it takes very little effort or time.
You can speed up the process of the decomposition by breaking down the leaves by a running a lawn mower over them or run them through a shredder to break them down further into smaller pieces.
Leaf mold can be used in the garden as a mulch to perennial or vegetable gardens, in containers or be tilled in to improve the soil structure.
Now is a great time to gather those leaves and start your own black gold!
Leaf mold is the result of letting leaves sit and decompose over time. It is dark brown to black, has a pleasant earthy aroma and a crumbly texture, much like compost. Leaf mold is just that; composted leaves. Instead of adding a bunch of organic matter to a pile, you just add leaves. Leaf mold is wonderful for improving soil texture and fertility and is a superior soil amendment. It doesn't provide much in the way of nurtition, so you will still need to add compost or other organic fertilizers to increase fertility. Leaf mold is essentially a soil conditioner. It increases the water retention of soils up to 50%.
There are a couple of ways you can make leaf mold. It's easy! One method is to pile your leaves in a corner of the yard or into a bin. The pile or bin should be at least three feet wide and tall. Pile up your leaves, and thoroughly dampen the entire pile. I like to sprinkle as I add to the pile. Let it sit and check your moisture level occasionally during dry periods and adding water when necessary.
The other method of making leaf mold requires a large plastic garbage bag. Fill the bag with leaves and dampen them. Seal the bag and then cut some holes or slits in the bag to allow air flow. Let it sit and check moisture level, adding if necessary.
As with compost you do not want to add to much water. You want it moist, not soggy. The one thing about leaf mold is that it does take time. six to nine months. They are basically carbon, which takes longer to break down than nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings. The nice thing about making leaf mold, is that it takes very little effort or time.
You can speed up the process of the decomposition by breaking down the leaves by a running a lawn mower over them or run them through a shredder to break them down further into smaller pieces.
Leaf mold can be used in the garden as a mulch to perennial or vegetable gardens, in containers or be tilled in to improve the soil structure.
Now is a great time to gather those leaves and start your own black gold!
Nice post,
Is leaf mold what part of compost?
Thanks
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Leaf mold is not high in nutrient content, but it is an excellent humic soil conditioner. It increases the water holding capacity and it is the perfect addition to your soil to increase the beneficial organisms that live in the soil. Leaf mold is mostly carbon. Leaf mold alone contains no nitrogen and could be a replacement for peat moss and you can use it as an addition to making potting soil. Leaf mold is slightly acidic. Therefore making it excellent for more alkaline soils. If you want to make leaf mold compost you can add other organic matter such as kitchen scraps and lawn clipping to make a more complete compost.
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