As winter grips the nation, once-green trees are now replaced with bald trunks and brown stems. Heaps of yellow and brown dried leaves lie raked in clusters beneath the trees and on the side of pavements. However, these leaves can be a very useful organic resource for any gardener. As promised in one of my previous articles, here is a brief yet comprehensive guide about how to prepare your own leaf compost.

The raw material used for preparing leaf compost is easily available. All you need is heaps and heaps of dried leaves. It is believed that using leaves from different varieties of trees makes the leaf compost more nutrient-filled and better than the one made by using leaves from just one kind of tree or plant.

However, preparing leaf compost can be a long process, requiring great patience. It may take from a few months to even several years to get the final result. Those who want to expedite the process may add a portion of green leaves to every five portions of dried leaves i.e. in the ratio of 5:1. This combination results in two outcomes: leaf mould and leaf compost. If this combination of leaves is left as it is, then it is highly likely to change into leaf mould, which is beneficial as a mix for soil medium and even for mulching.

However, to prepare leaf compost, four components are integral in its composition. These include green leaves, dried leaves, water and air. Leaf compost made in a bag filled with dried leaves will eventually occupy less than half the space after the completion of the process than compost which is not made in a bag.

The process is simple. Spread a thick layer of brown, dried leaves in a bag, bucket or even on the ground. It is believed that if the leaves are crumbled and broken into smaller pieces, it will help quicken the decomposing process. Cover this layer of dried leaves with a layer of green leaves in the ratio of 5:1.

Instead of throwing away dried leaves, using them to prepare leaf compost will help ensure that your soil remains rich in nutrients

Finally, sprinkle it with water. The quantity of water should be such that all the leaves get wet, but the combination of leaves should not become soggy. One way of assessing the right water content is to take a fistful of leaves and squeeze them. If the leaves ooze water, then that is perfect. The addition of water helps to speed up the process of leaf compost preparation. Repeat these steps while continuing to layer just like you may do when making lasagne. Even with these steps, the preparation of the leaf compost may take months.

To further augment the process, the role of the fourth ingredient, the flow of air, becomes fundamental. The role of air is central to a process known as hot composting. Hot composting comprises more or less of the same steps mentioned above, with one important difference being the turning of the leaves.

This heap, when turned over and mixed thoroughly, will not only help to aerate the mixture but will also fasten the process. You may obtain the leaf compost within a few weeks by following these steps.

Normally, the temperature of the compost rises during its preparation. If the compost being prepared is not heating up, there is a chance that it is lacking the nitrogen component. To rectify this deficiency, add in more green leaves and foliage to the composition.

Other reasons for the decreased temperature can be the original quantity of the composition being very less or there being an imbalance in the water quantity, with the mixture being too dry or too wet. Temperature should also be maintained below 65 degrees Celsius. While a cold heap will slow down the process, too much heat can lead to the death of the organisms that actually help in the making of the leaf compost.

In the case of too much heat, turning over the leaves helps the composition escape the excessive temperature. While many use thermometers to gauge the actual temperature, the technique used locally is to simply remove the upper few inches and bring one’s palm close to the heap. Expert gardeners can easily assess the temperature by just feeling the heat.

There are numerous benefits of adding leaf compost to your plants. It helps to retain water and can also be used as mulch. It is rich in nutrients and minerals. It also creates a better environment for micro-organisms, especially earthworms, which in turn provide a nourishing environment for the growing of plants and trees.

Lastly, one key suggestion — add dried neem tree leaves to the compost. Since it is a pest repellant, the addition of the compost made with neem leaves helps fend off unwanted insects and pests.

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, January 1st, 2023