Storing leafs to make compost

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Donnay

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Storing leafs to make compost
« on: November 21, 2011, 19:30 »
I'm new to allotment growing so please bear with me. I have been told to store leafs and the following year they will have rotted down into compost. Does anyone know the best way to store them? I was thinking of making an area for them made from pallets?

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Yorkie

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Re: Storing leafs to make compost
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2011, 19:38 »
Two ways for leaf mould:

1. Put the leaves into black bin liners, spike a few holes, water, and tie the tops.  Forget for a year or 2.

2. Create a cage with posts and chicken wire.  Leaves will fall out the sides of pallets unless you have something smaller e.g. wire to keep them in.  Can be whatever size you want, 1m is a good start.  Water.  Cover with something.  Forget about for a year or two but it's a good idea to water and turn every now and then if you remember.

Some leaves are better than others for rotting down.  Horse chestnut are very waxy and not ideal.  Some will take several years.  If the tree has a pest called a leaf miner then don't bother as you'll just maintain the life cycle of the pest.
I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days all attack me at once...

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Spana

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Re: Storing leafs to make compost
« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2011, 19:46 »
I use those big builders bags that sand  is delivered in.  
I have a lot of oak leaves in mine so it takes  2+ years to make good leaf mould, but its wonderful stuff.
I try and fill 3 bags every year then tip 2bags into the 3rd  after a year to go on for another year. :)

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Donnay

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Re: Storing leafs to make compost
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2011, 19:49 »
Thanks for all the advice, I will see what I can get hold of but I already have some of the builders sand bags.



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