How to Make Leaf Mould in a Bag?

Making leaf mould in a bag is a simple and effective way to transform fallen leaves into a valuable soil conditioner for your garden.

Why Use a Bag?

Using bags is an easy method for making leaf mould, especially if you have limited space or only a moderate amount of leaves. It keeps the process tidy and contained.

Materials You'll Need

To get started, gather these basic items:

• Fallen leaves (from deciduous trees)
• Large plastic bag (like a bin liner)
• Watering can or hose (if leaves are dry)
• A sharp knife or garden fork

Step-by-Step Guide to Bag Method

Creating leaf mould in a bag involves just a few straightforward steps, primarily focusing on containing the leaves and allowing air and moisture in.

Here's how to do it:

1. Gather Your Leaves: Collect leaves after they fall in autumn. Try to avoid evergreen needles, as they decompose much slower.
2. Fill the Bag: Place the leaves into a bin liner. Almost any large, sturdy plastic bag will work.
3. Add Moisture: Leaf decomposition requires moisture. Moisten them if they are dry. The leaves should feel damp like a wrung-out sponge, but not soaking wet.
4. Provide Airflow: Fungi, which are the primary decomposers of leaves, need air. Pierce holes in the bag with a knife or garden fork. Make plenty of holes all around the bag to allow for ventilation.
5. Seal Loosely: Tie the top loosely. This helps retain moisture while still allowing some airflow and preventing the bag from becoming completely sealed.
6. Store: Stack the bags out of sight for up to two years. Find a cool, shaded spot in your garden where the bags won't dry out too quickly or be disturbed.

Tips for Success

While the process is simple, a few tips can help ensure you get the best results:

• Shredding: Chopping or shredding the leaves before bagging them can speed up the decomposition process, as it increases the surface area. A mulching lawnmower works well for this.
• Leaf Types: Some leaves break down faster than others. Thin, soft leaves (like birch, cherry, or lime) decompose more quickly than tougher leaves (like oak, beech, or sycamore). Mixing different types is fine.
• Moisture Check: Periodically check the moisture level in the bags, especially during dry periods. If they seem dry, add a bit more water through the holes.
• Patience: Leaf mould takes time. While some leaves might break down within a year, tougher leaves can take two years or more to become fully decomposed into rich, crumbly leaf mould.

What to Expect

Over time, the leaves in the bag will compact and darken as they are broken down by fungi. What started as a bag full of dry leaves will shrink significantly, eventually becoming a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material that is perfect for improving soil structure, particularly for seed sowing and mulching.

Summary of Bag Method Steps