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Composting Leaves is an Excellent Way to Recycle Organic Material and Create Nutrient-rich Compost for Your Garden

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, composting leaves is an excellent way to recycle organic material and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Here are some techniques to help you effectively compost leaves:

  1. Shredding: Shredding or chopping leaves into smaller pieces accelerates the decomposition process. You can use a lawnmower, leaf shredder, or simply run over the leaves with your lawnmower a few times.
  2. Layering: Alternate layers of leaves with other materials in your compost pile, such as green kitchen scraps, grass clippings, or garden waste. This helps balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and promotes efficient decomposition.
  3. Aeration: Turning or aerating the compost pile regularly (at least once a month) allows for better airflow and prevents matting of the leaves. Proper aeration speeds up decomposition and reduces the likelihood of a smelly or slimy pile.
  4. Moisture: Leaves should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. Water your compost pile if it becomes too dry. Ideally, the moisture level should be similar to a wrung-out sponge.
  5. Use a Compost Bin: Using a compost bin or enclosure helps contain the leaves and maintain the right conditions for decomposition. Make sure the bin has good aeration (ventilation holes) and drainage.
  6. Layering with Nitrogen: As leaves are high in carbon, add nitrogen-rich materials, such as grass clippings or kitchen scraps, to the pile. This balances the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and speeds up decomposition.
  7. Cover: Covering your compost pile with a lid, tarp, or an old carpet helps regulate temperature, maintain moisture, and protect the compost from heavy rains or drying winds.
  8. Turning: Regularly turn or mix the compost pile to ensure even decomposition. A well-mixed pile prevents hot spots and allows all the leaves to break down more quickly.
  9. Add Compost Activators: Compost activators or accelerators, which can be purchased or made at home, contain beneficial microorganisms that help speed up decomposition. These can be added to the pile to jumpstart the process.
  10. Patience: Composting leaves can take several months to a year to produce finished compost. Be patient and allow nature to do its work.
  11. Use Finished Compost: When the composting process is complete, and the leaves have decomposed into dark, crumbly material, you can use the finished compost to enrich your garden soil or as mulch.
  12. Avoid Diseased Leaves: Do not compost leaves from plants or trees that are diseased, as this can potentially spread diseases to your garden.

By following these techniques, you can efficiently compost leaves and produce nutrient-rich compost that will benefit your garden and reduce organic waste. Remember that leaves are an excellent source of carbon in your compost pile, balancing the green (nitrogen-rich) materials you add.

 

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10 thoughts on “Composting Leaves is an Excellent Way to Recycle Organic Material and Create Nutrient-rich Compost for Your Garden

  1. No, I like to burn them like we did in the 60s

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    1. I miss the smell of burning leaves on Indian summer afternoons.

      I remember the smell in days gone by as we drove home from Tice’s to Rutherford. The fun burning leaves in the street or in the back yard…..

  2. Can’t burn them here. You either compost or blow into the street for pickup

  3. Nope I’m burning mine. Haha. Kiss my ass. Stick it up your nose.

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  4. To “the man”. That is so rude how you replied to another commentor just stating a fact. It’s true. We can’t be burning leaves I our backyards. Just saying.

  5. I don’t care. I burn my leaves every year. We love the smell.

  6. Oh well we are having a burning leaf party tonight.

  7. I burn part of my leaves but I am not aware if there is an ordinance that prohibits this. Can someone clarify?

  8. What’s illegal is “open burning” not burning in a barrel.
    Lot’s of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits in town.

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