On 3/7/10 10:28 AM, DirtBag wrote:
David E. Ross said

Toss some good garden soil on top of the pile and rinse it into the
pile. This will provide some of the soil micro organisms that
promote composting. Also add some high nitrogen fertilizer since
composting leaves requires nitrogen. Make sure the pile remains
moist.

I added blood meal last fall. I had quite a hot pile till this miserable
winter took over. Spring is almost here!

DO NOT add to your raised bed. The composting leaves will deplete
nutrients from the soil until they are fully composted.

Like yours, my compost pile is also almost entirely leaves,
especially oak and ash. When I have my back lawn mowed (ornamental
red fescue, mowed only once a year) I add some of the clippings to
the pile. It took about 18 months to start from scratch. It works
well now, taking about 4-5 months to produce a great leaf mold from
autumn leaves. When I sift the pile, I always leave some fine
compost to ensure that the new leaves in the pile are "inoculated"
with the necessary organisms.

My present compost pile is on top of my garden, I planned to turn it in
to the soil. I think I'll set up a dedicated compost pile and continue
this process. So, I am I to understand your mature pile processes all
you leaves in 4-5 months? This would be ideal.

The major additions to my pile is in the autumn. I turn the pile as I
add more leaves. I generally count on the winter rains to keep it moist.

I wait until late spring to sift it. By then, excess moisture is gone,
making it easier to sift. I get a generous amount of compost (mostly
leaf mold). When I see that I have enough for my needs, I just stir the
pile. If I remember, I stir and water it during the summer.

My major use is in making my own potting mix. I also stir some into the
soil when planting in the ground. No, I don't use it to top any beds.
Instead, I use fallen leaves as a mulch in my beds. They soon become
compost, too.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary