How to Make Compost Out of Dried Plant Leaves

Learn how to transform dried plant leaves into nutrient-rich compost with our comprehensive guide. From collection to harvest, discover the essential steps to create a compost pile for your plants.

Collect Dried Leaves: Gather fallen leaves from your yard or neighborhood. Make sure they're clean, not moist and free from chemicals or diseases.

Shred the Leaves: Using a shredder, lawnmower, or simply your hands, shred the dried leaves into smaller pieces. This helps speed up the decomposition process.

Layering: Start by creating a layer of shredded leaves in your compost bin or pile. Aim for a thickness of about 4-6 inches.

Add Nitrogen-Rich Materials: Balance the carbon-rich dried leaves with nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings, kitchen scraps, or manure. This helps provide the necessary nutrients for decomposition.

Moisten the Pile: Sprinkle water over the layers to moisten them. The compost pile should be damp, similar to a wrung-out sponge.

Rotate the Pile: Every few weeks, gently mix the compost pile using a pitchfork or shovel. This helps aerate the mixture, ensuring proper decomposition.

Monitor Moisture and Temperature: Check the moisture level regularly and add water if the pile feels too dry. Also, monitor the temperature, as composting generates heat. Aim for a temperature between49°-71°C for efficient decomposition.

Patience: Composting takes time. Depending on various factors like temperature, moisture, and the materials used, it can take several months to a year for the compost to be ready.

Harvest Your Compost: Once the compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, it's ready to use in your garden. Remove any large, undecomposed materials and use the compost to enrich your soil.