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Compost , Don't Burn Fall Leaves!

by Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor,University of Vermont    

You may like the smell of burning leaves, but did you know you were sending an excellent soil conditioner up in smoke? Instead of burning leaves or stuffing them in garbage bags for the trash haulers to take away, compost them.

Compost improves garden soil by increasing its organic matter. This, in turn, improves soil drainage. Organic matter is especially beneficial in heavy clay or light, sandy soils. Organic matter reduces soil crusting and helps soil hold water and nutrients. The compost also supplies a small amount of nutrients.

Compost can be used as a mulch around plants, too. Mulch helps conserve moisture as well as reduces frost heaving.

To compost leaves, alternate leaves with layers of soil or manure. Make layers of leaves six to 12 inches thick, layers of soil or manure about one inch thick. To hasten decomposition, shred leaves first with a rotary lawn mower or shredder.

For each bushel of organic material, add one cup of complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 and two-thirds cup ground limestone. Moisten each layer. Finish the compost pile by slightly rounding the top to help the pile hold water. Cover with an inch of soil.

Next, cover the compost pile with plastic. Hold the sides in place with wire, concrete blocks, or boards. Turn the pile every few weeks throughout the fall, adding moisture during prolonged dry periods. Both will help speed decomposition and make the final product more uniform.

Compost piles are simple to do, but it does take time for the process to work. If you start a compost pile this fall, don't expect to use it in the spring. However, it should be ready to spread next fall.

Keep in mind that you are not limited to leaves for composting. You can use any plant material that's not diseased, doesn't contain mature weed seeds, and hasn't been treated with pesticides. In addition, non-meat kitchen scraps can be composted.