You might call those piles of fallen leaves in your yard autumn gold, because you can use them to make compost.
Using the formula and tips below, you can make rich, crumbly compost from leaves, kitchen scraps, excess garden soil, water and air.
Making your own compost keeps waste out of landfill, and best of all it’s free to make!
How to Compost Leaves
Autumn leaves are excellent for composting. Once they’ve broken down in your compost pile or bin, the compost is excellent for building soil quality and growing bigger, healthier vegetables and plants.
The basic ‘recipe’ for compost is slightly more than half brown stuff, and slightly less than half green stuff.
Brown things like leaves and pine needles have high amounts of the element carbon.
Green things include grass clippings, vegetable trimmings, and other plant wastes that have high amounts of nitrogen. We even compost poinsettias after the holidays.
You can also add some dirt to speed up the process. The other important ingredient is water, which helps break down the clippings.
You’ll need to make sure that air can circulate around the pile so the mixture doesn’t rot or get moldy.
7 Steps to Compost Autumn Leaves
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to effectively compost your autumn leaves and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
1. Gather the Leaves
Collect fallen leaves from your yard. It’s best to use leaves that are free from pesticides and chemicals.
2. Shred or Chop the Leaves
If possible, run over the leaves with a lawnmower or use a leaf shredder to break them down into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area, making it easier for them to decompose.
3. Balance Carbon and Nitrogen
Leaves are high in carbon, so it’s important to balance them with materials high in nitrogen for efficient decomposition. Examples of high-nitrogen materials include grass clippings, kitchen scraps, or manure.
4. Layer Properly in the Compost Bin or Pile
a. Base Layer (Bulky Material): Start with a layer of coarse, bulky material like small branches or straw. This helps with aeration and drainage.
b. Alternate Layers: Alternate between layers of shredded leaves and high-nitrogen materials. Aim for a ratio of roughly 3:1, leaves to high-nitrogen materials.
c. Aerate Occasionally: Turn or mix the compost regularly (about once a week) to aerate it. This introduces oxygen, which is crucial for the decomposition process.
5. Maintain Moisture Levels
Keep the compost pile damp, but not soggy. If it’s too dry, add some water; if it’s too wet, mix in more dry leaves.
6. Monitor the Compost
Depending on the size of the leaves and how well they’re shredded, composting leaves can take several months to a year to fully decompose.
7. Harvest the Compost
When the compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, it’s ready to be used in your garden. You can sift out any remaining large pieces of leaves if you prefer a finer texture.
Leaf Composting Tips
• Avoid Thick Layers of Leaves. While leaves are a great addition to compost, avoid using a thick layer of them at once, as this can create a dense mat that slows down decomposition.
• Cover the Compost Pile. Use a tarp or cover to retain moisture and regulate temperature. This also helps keep excess rain from making the compost too wet.
• Consider Using a Compost Bin. A compost bin helps contain the materials, retain heat, and keep pests out. There are various types available, including tumblers, wire bins, and wooden bins.
How Long to Compost Leaves?
Composting takes time. The exact duration depends on factors like temperature, moisture levels, and how well you maintain the pile. In our garden, it usually takes about 4 to 6 months for the leaves in the compost bin to break down.
If you stir the compost regularly and keep the pile damp, you should have nice rich compost to use for the following spring and summer.
Autumn is the perfect time to create a big compost pile. You can enjoy turning it and adding water as needed throughout the winter and when spring comes you should have a wonderful batch of rich autumn gold compost for planting.
Happy composting!
About Eliza Cross
Eliza Cross is the author of 17 books, including Small Bites and 101 Things To Do With Bacon. She shares ideas to simplify cooking, gardening, time and money. She is also the owner of Cross Media, Inc. and founder of the BENSA Bacon Lovers Society.
