Create Leaf Mould & Leaf Mould Tea

Applied in early winter, leaf mould enriches the soil with nutrients and beneficial micro-organisms, and shields it from rain compaction and erosion, while also protecting plant root zones.

• Fallen leaves - any will do, as long as they are free of pests, disease and pesticides
• Garbage can
• Weed eater

Rake leaves into piles, the drier the better. Add them to the garbage can and then whip them with a weed eater. Compost this mulch under plastic for one year._The following fall, incorporate the decomposed leaf mould into all your garden beds, or use it as a winter mulch or to make a fertilizing tea:

Leaf Mould Tea
Used monthly, highly nutritious leaf mould tea is an excellent means of providing nutrients to your garden while watering.

Tie the equivalent of one-quarter of a garbage can full of leaf mould into a burlap sack and return it to the garbage can. Fill the can with water, then cover and let sit two or three days. Remove "tea bag" and water all of your plants with the nutritious tea. Compost the leftover leaves.

• mulch,
• organic,
• organic fertilizer,
• organic gardening,
• manure tea,
• leaf mould tea,
• fertilizer,
• fertilizing organically,
• gardens,
• How to,
• Sustainable Gardening,