In article , Jupiter
writes
On Mon, 19 Sep 2005 20:04:16 +0000 (UTC), "nambucca"
wrote:


"H Ryder" wrote in message
...
How do you make this? So far I've been stuffing leaves into bin liners,
punching lots of little holes in them and leaving them in a corner. Will
this work and should they be put in the shed or can they be safely left
out
(I'm not sure if they need to be kept dry). Thank you,
Hayley

What you are doing is fine
It does take time though and some leaves decompose faster than others
Mind you it would be best to have a proper compost bin and mix leaves with
grass cuttings , shreded paper , veg peelings and shredded prunings

I've seen it suggested that leaves are better composted separately in
an open type container, wire frame or similar. The reason given was
that leaves are decomposed by fungal activity which needs air and
moisture, whereas 'normal' compost decomposition is bacterial which
proceeds well in a closed container.

I can't see that it is as clear cut as that. There isn't *that* much
difference between a willowherb leaf and a privet leaf.

I presume it is to do with the proportion of relatively harder and
softer stuff in the heap. Even tree leaves will decompose in a 'normal'
heap, but they are slower than other things, so it's better, with autumn
quantities, to compost separately. And you need more of the softer stuff
to generate the heat for the hot process, so your leaf heap then has to
resort to the fungal process.

'Normal' compost decomposition for those of us who put anything and
everything on the heap also tends to be fungal. But the end result is
just as good.

--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"