In this episode of UK Here We Grow, we show you how to turn one of the last harvests of the year into something very special. Leaf mold is basically leaves which are piled up and allowed to decompose. While leaf mould doesn’t add many nutrients to your soil, it is a great natural conditioner. See below for the different types of leaves and their nutrients. Leaf mold is great for adding to your garden because it helps the soil retain moisture. The ingredients in ericaceous compost aren’t that surprising when you consider the environment where these acid-loving plants thrive. Most leaves are slightly acidic when they fall, with a pH below 6. References University of Illinois Extension: The Composting Process With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities. If you use leaf mold as a mulch, its dense consistency prevents water from entering the lower soil. and oak (Quercus spp.) For instance, leaves from conifers and other evergreens are more acidic than those from deciduous trees. A variation on this technique is to use a mower to shred the leaves on the lawn when the grass need cutting so that there are about equal quantities of grass and shredded leaves. Fertility and soil structure are improved. Leaf mould tends to be slightly acidic (though how acidic depends on the type of tree from which the leaves came) so it’s good for acid-loving plants. This depends on the leaves used and the process used. Most leaves are slightly acidic when they fall, with a pH below 6. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. Planting beds conditioned with leaf mold may become slightly acid. It is also an excellent soil improver due to its crumbly texture. While it is true that whatever passes through a worm tends to come out the back closer to pH neutral, once the bacterial phase winds down, the pH of the decaying leaves will stay more acidic, which may be unappealing to worms. Happy piling! Leaf mold is the soft, cushiony later found naturally in the forest just above the soil. Leaf mold (Leaf mould outside of the United States) is the compost produced by decomposition of deciduous shrub and tree leaves, primarily by fungal breakdown. Before you run out to your yard to clear them away, though, let us explain a bit further. Because whole leaves tend to fly away with winds, it is good practice to apply shredded leaves to your soil. In fact, leaf mold is just that: composted leaves. Initially, leaf mould is slightly acidic in nature. You don’t have to choose between leaf mold, leaf mulch, and leaf compost! To protect plants from potentially acidic leaf mulch, however, you need to gather the fresh leaves and allow them to decompose in a pile. Leaf mould tends to be slightly acidic (though how acidic depends on the type of tree from which the leaves came) so it’s good for acid-loving plants. But research has shown that the addition of leaf mold will not have a long-term effect on soil acidity. These can be added in moderate amounts. So we can say that mature leaf mould is normal to slightly acidic in nature. Ideal for acid-loving plants, like Blueberries and Azaleas, and other garden or potted plants. Pine needles are worth gathering and placing in a separate leafmould pile as they produce acidic leafmould, which is ideal for mulching ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, Pieris and blueberries. They do not need to be turned or have any green materials added – they will decompose in their own by the action of fungi and other decomposing organisms forming wonderful leaf mould! Red or Yellow Leaves - These can be used in small amounts. For information on how to adjust pH levels see this article. Leaf mold will not correct pH problems, but will have a moderating effect. Remember that this mulch degrades faster than other types, like tree bark, so you need to be diligent in replacing the leaves periodically from your decomposing pile during the spring and summer to prevent water loss and soil compaction. Your leaf-mulch layer should not be more than 3 inches thick -- your soil and plant roots suffocate under a thicker mulch layer since air pockets and moisture become scarce. It’s very important to use only leaves and no other organic matter. Green Leaves - some trees shed green leaves. I use leaves from broadleaved trees. For example, beech (Fagus spp.) Finally, leaves can also be stored near your compost bin or pile, so that you have a ready source of browns when you are composting grass, weeds, or other greens in the spring and summer. Leaf mould is the name given to a bunch of mainly deciduous leaves that have broken down and decayed to such an extent that they form a type of compost. Till leaf mold, spread leaf compost, and cover with leaf mulch. As a result, evergreen-based leaf mould is great for acid-loving plants such as rhododendron and azalea. Simply mix an equal quantity of leaves with your greens, be sure to add moisture if needed and then place the mix in your compost bin or pile. Description. For instance, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rhododendron thickets can be found under groves of oaks (Quercus) and beech (Fagus) trees and beneath needle-bearing conifers like hemlocks.In fact, needles, oak leaves and beech leaves can lower compost pH. Brown Leaves - Should be avoided but are good for leaf mold. Some leaves aren’t suitable for mulch at all. Acid loving plants love Oak Leaf Mold. Leaf mold is not as rich in nutrient value as completely composted leaves but it is easier and quicker to make. eaf mold has fully processed when it turns a dark color and has a crumbly texture. Compost made using Pine needles is acidic and as consequence their compost is recommended for acid-loving plants such as strawberries, raspberries, and rhododendrons. If these leaves accumulate on the ground, your best plant choices beneath the tree should include acid-loving varieties, such as impatiens. These cut leaves prevent the mulch layer from sticking together, much like a paper mache art project. Some leaves will yield a more acidic product, especially if pine needles have been included (though it takes large amounts of needles to effectively change the pH). Leaf mold can be produced in low oxygen conditions. 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