Composting leaves – how to turn them into valuable fertilizer
Another sustainable way to use leaves is composting. Leaf compost is considered to be particularly fine-crumbly and rich in humus—ideal for soil improvement. Here's how it works:
- Collect the leaves dry and let them dry a little.
- Shred the leaves with a lawnmower or shredder.
- Put about 30 cm of leaves into the compost bin.
- Sprinkle a handful of rock flour over it, followed by some garden soil and horn meal.
- Continue layering in this order.
The compost should be turned once in the spring. By fall, it will have formed into high-quality humus, which is ideal for improving the soil in your beds.
Important: Not all types of leaves are equally suitable for composting. Oak, walnut, plane, poplar, beech, and chestnut leaves decompose very slowly. While oak and walnut leaves are best disposed of separately, the other types mentioned can be added in moderation.
