Also, avoid using any leaves or twigs from black walnut trees, which contain harmful substances. [3] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source Oak leaves take longer to decompose than many other types of leaves. If you find that oak leaves comprise the majority of your compost pile, shred them more thoroughly than the other types of leaves to make sure they compost well.
Alternatively, try shredding the leaves with a leaf shredder.
If you just want to create leaf mold to use as mulch, combine 4 parts leaves, 1 part grass clippings, and a shovel full of commercial compost or soil in each trash bag. Poke a few holes in the bottom of the bags for ventilation, water the mixture until it’s damp, then tie the bags shut. Let them sit for a few months to a year, then use the mixture as mulch to stop weed growth and insulate plants. [6] X Research source
For every 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) of leaves and grass clippings, add 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of soil or commercial compost to speed up the decomposition process. Situate the compost pile on a well-draining patch of dirt or grass to allow excess moisture to drain. Avoid putting your leaf pile on concrete or asphalt. [8] X Research source If you rake together a leaf pile that’s much smaller than 4 feet (1. 2 m) wide and 3 feet (0. 91 m) tall, it won’t generate sufficient heat internally to kill off weeds and disease-causing organisms. If you have tons of leaves or want to create a lot of compost, create a rectangular pile that’s 10 feet (3. 0 m) wide and 5 feet (1. 5 m) tall.
If you prefer to contain your pile even more, use wooden slats, like those on a shipping crate. Nail the slats together into a 4 ft (1. 2 m) by 3 ft (0. 91 m) rectangle surrounding your compost pile. Using a compost bin or fencing will also help keep your leaves contained so they don’t blow around in the wind.
When you add kitchen scraps, bury them about 10 inches (25 cm) deep in the pile. [11] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source Avoid adding meat, fish, poultry, or dairy products to your compost pile. [12] X Research source Similarly, avoid adding foods containing fat or oil, bones, coal, charcoal, wood ash, or pet waste. [13] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source These items don’t decompose well, and could introduce harmful bacteria to your compost or even attract animals to your yard. Don’t add diseased plants, plants treated with chemical pesticides, or plants that spread through roots or rhizomes (like ivy). [14] X Research source
Avoid creating standing pools of water. Water so that the compost is damp enough that when you can pick up a handful of compost and squeeze, only a few drops of water drip out. If your compost gets too wet, mix in shredded newspaper or sawdust. [16] X Research source Put the compost pile in a shaded area to reduce moisture loss. If your compost pile is exposed to direct sunlight for more than 3–4 hours a day, much-needed moisture will evaporate from the leaves and organic matter. [17] X Research source
Turning the compost pile frequently speeds up the process, allows the leaves to decompose uniformly, and keeps a good mixture of oxygen throughout the pile. The moist pile of leaves and clippings will heat up in the center to speed up decomp, which is often called “cooking. ”
Using a tarp can also keep your leaves from blowing away in the early stages before they’ve had a chance to break down.
To use compost as mulch, simply add a 2 to 4 inches (5. 1 to 10. 2 cm) layer around the base of your plants.
