Ye Olde Rotted Oak Leafe:

Find a stand of oak trees under which a thick layer of last years' leaves
have fallen. I like to simply suck up several trash bags full using a
lawnmower with bag attached. (Have a snappy comeback for passersby
inquiring, "Why are you mowing the forest?") Depending upon the mower, you
may have to dump the bag and suck them up again to get the leaf particles
suitably shredded. Dump the now shredded oak leaves into black plastic
garbage bags. If the leaves are dry, spray water into the bag until they're
moderately damp. Tie off the bag, and poke several tens of holes into it (I
just use my car key or chopstick). Place the bags where they will receive
all day sunlight. Every once in awhile, give the bags a good swift kick!

In six to ten weeks, you will have lovely dark rotted oak leaf.

Dave

"Cheryl Isaak" wrote in message
...
Has any one had success doing this? I've tried on several occasions with
very little compost and lots of leaves looking like they just fell
yesterday
after a year's time. I've tried adding water after filling the bag and
bagging wet leaves. I use partially shredded leaves from my mower.

Cheryl
Southern NH