Leaf Mould

The winds of autumn have made themselves known this week. Together with heavy rain they have encouraged the deciduous leaves to fall, carpeting the ground with their autumnal hues. 

But whilst many bemoan the falling leaves of autumn, we look upon it as an opportunity to create one of the best additions to our soil: leaf mould. 

Walk in a woodland and pick up a handful of leaf litter. It will smell rich and of the earth. A woodland floor is the richest soil you will find. Many generations of leaves have decomposed to create a perfect soil structure for plant life, invertebrates, and small mammals to co-exist. 

And by making and using leaf mould, you can replicate these conditions in your own garden. 

(The fallen leaves of autumn) 

Leaves decompose differently to other plant life. They rely on fungal activity to break down and so it's best to create a separate container from your compost heap if you want to make leaf mould. 

The simplest and most effective solution is four posts knocked into the ground with chicken wire stapled to the posts to create a cage. 

Pile the leaves into the cage, water occasionally and wait. Good leaf mould that crumbles between your fingers can take up to two years to make, but it is well worth the wait. 

As well as a perfect mulch for around plants, leaf mould is a good ingredient in home made compost. We use it when potting up lilies and plants that require ericaceous conditions, as leaf mould is slightly acidic. 

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