Background
What on earth do we have against leaves? Thousands and thousands of bags of leaves get tossed into already overcrowded landfill sites every fall. You may be surprised to learn that composted leaves can make a mineral-rich fertilizer or mulch for your garden. It couldn't be easier. Here's how:
Procedure
• Pile the leaves in a corner of your property that is sheltered from the wind.
• If you want to speed up decomposition, add a thin layer of soil now and then.
• Cover the pile with chicken wire to stop your future compost from blowing away.
Maintenance
Throughout the summer, water the pile from time to time if it gets dry. By fall, the compost should be ready for your garden. If the pile contains a lot of oak or chestnut leaves, it could take up to two years to decompose.