How to Plant in Composted Leaves

Fallen leaves are great for the soil.

In most home gardens, dead leaves are available in abundance. These fallen leaves make an ideal source material for compost. When added to the soil, composted leaves improve its structure, water retention, and nutrient levels. But you can have too much of a good thing. Never plant garden plants directly into a layer of composted leaves. Compost is a great conditioner, but garden plants need actual soil to thrive.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicide
• Shovel
• Rake

Instructions

1. Dig up all weeds, plants, and their root systems, or spray them with a broad-spectrum herbicide. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and amounts. Observe any time restrictions on replanting the area after herbicide application.

2. Spread leaf compost over the area. The University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service recommends adding no more than 50 lbs. of leaf compost over every 100 square feet of garden. Clay and sandy soils benefit from the maximum amount of leaf compost. Friable loam soils will produce well with as little as half that amount.

3. Mix the leaf compost evenly into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil in the bed with a shovel. Remove any roots, rocks, and other debris as you dig and turn the soil. Break up any hard clumps of soil.

4. Rake the soil smooth.

5. Plant seeds or transplants at the time of year, depth, and spacing recommended for that variety in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• Plants may be planted into leaf-composted soil immediately after it is worked. However, the longer you wait, the better. For best results, work the soil in late summer in preparation for spring planting.

• Leaf compost is slightly alkaline. It's average pH is between 7.0 and 7.3. Do not use leaf compost for plants that require acidic conditions.

• Leaf compost also makes great potting mix. Mix equal parts sand, commercial garden soil, and composted leaves. Sterilize the mixture by baking it in the oven at 210 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. The mix is ready to use once it returns to room temperature.

References

• "All New Square Foot Gardening"; Mel Bartholemew; 2006
• North Dakota State University Extension; Mini-Gardening; Larry Bass; March 1995
• University of Illinois Cooperative Extensions; Leaf Disposal; David J. Williams