Aug 9, 2022 · Leaf mold has several uses in the garden. You can dig or till it into garden beds to improve soil structure and water retention. Or, use it as mulch in perennial beds or vegetable gardens. It's also fabulous in containers due to its water-retaining abilities.

Nov 27, 2021 · Leaf mulch – or leaf mold as you will also hear it called – is a mulch you can start creating in fall and into winter for use the following spring and summer. It is simply made with fallen leaves left to decompose separately to the rest of your compost.

Jun 22, 2023 · People use leaf mold as a soil conditioner or as mulch, spreading it on beds surrounding plants. As leaves decompose, they return essential nutrients to the earth and lock in moisture. They also keep plant roots warm during winter, and house overwintering insects – namely beneficial predator insects and pollinators.

Using leaf mulch in the garden is one of the best ways to build soil, reduce weeds, retain moisture, and insulate plants. Plus, you can turn mulched leaves into leaf mold which saves money on buying compost and other soil amendments. In this article I’ll show you three easy ways to make leaf mulch and how to put it to work in your garden.

Picture a mulch that requires no work and has no unpleasant odors – that’s leaf mold! In this guide, I will delve into what exactly leaf mold is, the benefits it offers, and how you can easily make it using leaves from your own yard.

Jul 26, 2023 · Our Leaf Mulcher shreds the leaves into small pieces that decompose quickly, releasing the nutrients perfect for mulching perennial beds, adding organic matter to your vegetable garden or tossing on the compost pile. In Britain, leaf mold is the connoisseur's choice for mulching perennial gardens.

Jan 22, 2025 · Figure 2. Leaf mulch at Stoneleigh Gardens in Villanova, PA. Annette MaCoy, Penn State Master Gardener. There are two basic approaches to recycling leaves. One is shredding the leaves to make mulch or to let them break down into the lawn, and the other is piling whole leaves to transform into leaf mold.

Nov 15, 2017 · Leaf mold is like compost except that it’s made only with leaves (so no “green” material) and is broken down by fungus instead of bacteria. It can be used the same way as compost (to amend the soil) or like mulch (spread over the soil).

Feb 20, 2024 · Turn those fallen leaves into leaf mold--a soil-enriching mulch! Leaf mold is nothing more than partially decomposed leaves. See how to make leaf mold with our short instructions and accompanying video.

Sep 7, 2023 · Simply put, leaf mold is a valuable soil conditioner that can be made by leaving leaves to decompose into a crumbly, friable mulch or potting ingredient. I find that leaf mold is most useful in two...