How to Mulch Leaves

Mulching is a great way to make free topsoil!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rake, Tarp, Leaves, Sun, Blood Meal, Pitch Fork

1. The first thing you will want to do is get those leaves off the lawn and onto a tarp so that you can move them to a spot where they will be allowed to decompose. This spot should get at least some direct sun. The heat will help.

2. Pile the leaves up and add Blood Meal for faster decomposition. Blood Meal can be found in the fertilizer section of any home store.

3. Take your pitch fork and turn your pile at least once every two weeks. This will keep air in the pile and allow bacteria to thrive which will help the pile become dirt. If your mulch pile is too dry in the summer, add water from the hose. When things dry out, they don't decompose very quickly or at all. They just become a munch. You want dirt that you can spread in your flowerbeds or vegetable garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. If you garden you know that the one thing that gardening really can teach a person is PATIENCE. It can take a bit of time for leaves and lawn clippings to break down. Just remember, even though the top of the pile may not look like soil, check the bottom. It probably has soil ready to go!
• Some people have allergies to certain types of bacteria that result from decomposition.