Autumn · Soil & Compost Autumn Leaves Are Free Garden Gold Stop bagging them for the bin. Fallen leaves can become leaf mould, compost and mulch that feeds your soil for free. Every autumn, gardeners rake up piles of leaves and throw them away, then buy bags of compost and soil improver in spring. It makes no sense. Those leaves are full of carbon and minerals the tree pulled up from deep in the ground, and with a little patience they turn into one of the best soil conditioners there is. The good news: it's almost no work. You don't need a shredder, a special bin or any chemicals. A wire cage, a few old bags and some time are enough. Leaf Mould vs Compost: What's the Difference? They sound the same, but they work in different ways. Leaf Mould Made from leaves only. It is broken down slowly by fungi , not bacteria, so it stays cool and takes around one to two years . The result is dark, crumbly and smells like a forest floor. It's low in nutrients ...
Practical growing guides, plant care tips, and seasonal advice for home gardeners of every experience level, from backyard beginners to seasoned green thumbs.