Make the most of fallen leaves. Decomposed leaves used as mulch or soil conditioner can act like a tonic to perk up unhealthy habitats.
Construct one or more simple bins to contain the leaves. As it takes about two years before leaves thoroughly decompose, it makes sense to start a new bin or bins each fall.
Use chicken wire or some other mesh material for the sides. No cover or bottom is required. Unlike compost, leaves don’t need warmth to decompose.
Leaves should be moist when put in the bin. Collect them after rain or sprinkle them with a hose. Use deciduous leaves only.
To speed up the decomposition process, mix in fresh grass clippings. Bacteria in the grass will help the pile rot within a year. (Try adding clippings to one bin, but not to another, then compare the results.)
The compost is ready when it has transformed into a dark brown, coarse material. Spread it as a mulch, dig it into the soil, or mix it with organic fertilizer. (Try another control test, comparing plant growth both with and without the leaf-compost mixture.)
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