Leafmold

Leaf mold is a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material made from decomposed tree leaves. It's not technically a compost, since it forms primarily through fungal rather than bacterial decomposition. It's often referred to as "black gold" for gardeners due to its many soil-enhancing benefits.

🌿 How Leaf Mold Is Made:

• Ingredients: Primarily fallen deciduous tree leaves (oak, maple, beech, etc.).

• Process:

  • Collected leaves are piled up or placed in a wire bin or bag with air holes.

  • Moisture and time (6 months to 2 years) allow fungi to break down the leaves.

  • No need for turning or adding greens (like food waste) as with compost.

🌱 Uses of Leaf Mold:

1. Soil Conditioner:

   • Improves soil structure, aeration, and moisture retention.

   • Particularly beneficial in sandy or clay-heavy soils.

   • Enhances root development due to better soil texture.

2. Mulch:

   • Can be used as a natural mulch around plants and trees.

   • Helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature.

3. Seed Starting Mix Component:

   • Finely sifted leaf mold can be part of a seed starting mix (combined with compost, perlite, etc.).

   • Adds moisture retention and mild nutrient value.

4. Potting Mix Additive:

   • Improves water retention and texture in homemade potting mixes.

   • Often mixed with compost, loam, and sand.

5. Worm Bin/Bedding Material:

   • Provides a fibrous, natural bedding for composting worms.

🍂 Leaves Best for Leaf Mold:

• Best: Oak, beech, maple, sycamore — break down slowly and produce high-quality mold.

• Avoid: Leaves high in lignin (e.g., holly, magnolia) or those from black walnut (juglone toxicity).