Use those problem leaves to create your own leaf mould?
- Will
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At this time of the year many people struggle to keep on top of the gardening and are dismayed to see that the lawn is covered with a layer of leaves either from a tree in their own garden or more annoyingly a tree from a neighbour’s garden. A small quantity of leaves can be put directly onto a compost heap but as leaves take about a year to break down, larger quantities should be composted separately or gathered, bagged up and taken to the tip or possibly burnt on a garden bonfire but there is a way to turn this problem to your advantage and that is to make your own leaf mould which is a valuable resource to gardeners.
The simplest method of creating leaf mould is to use a large, perforated dustbin bag. Simply collect the leaves, wet them if they are dry then tie the top of the bag. Stab the bag with a garden fork to let in a little air then leave to rot down.
Another method of dealing with fallen leaves is to make a leaf cage from wire netting. Add the leaves as you collect them, tread down, water then cover with a plastic sheet until no more leaves are to be added then remove the plastic sheet and cover with a thin layer of soil. This method does take up more room in the garden but is an efficient way to get rid of problem leaves.