How to make leaf mould: recycling garden leaves

I don't know of any gardener who likes cleaning up leaves, but in the autumn months, it is something that most gardeners need to tolerate. Leaf mould compost is an excellent way to rid yourself of wet, slimy leaves and enrich your garden with nutrient-rich leaf mould compost.

Don't be fooled by TikTokers and Instagrammers pretending it's a new thing; making leaf mould from fallen leaves has existed since the dawn of time.

Learning how to make leaf mould is easy and it costs virtually nothing. Whether you decide to go all in with a full leaf mould composting bin or use bin bags in 12 months you have a perfect compost to mulch your gardens with.

This guide will show you how to make perfect leaf mould without shredders or faffing about with leaf vacuums and the like.

How to make leaf mould

Leaf mould is super easy to make. All it requires is patience, some time to collect the leaves, and a place to store them as they break down into beautiful compost. You don't need to add anything special or start fiddling around with garden shredders or mowers, and you can use any leaves (though deciduous leaves that fall off the tree each year are faster to break down than evergreen leaves that usually stay put).

Leaf mould has become a big trend on social media, with 'influencers' showing you how they collect leaves with giant vacuums and then shred or wet them, along with adding all sorts of other chemicals. The truth is, you don't need to do any of that, Ninjas. Trust me when I say that mother (nature) knows best!

Let me explain how to make leaf mould without any drama or need for a viral video.

Key steps in making leaf mould:

1. Collect fallen leaves in autumn
2. Store in some form of breathable container, compost bin or bag
3. Keep moist
4. Leave until the leaves have naturally broken down to reveal a dark brown light compost. Usually 12-18 months
5. Use around your garden as a mulch, top dress or seed compost

Methods for Making Leaf Mould

There are two main ways to make leaf mould:

1. The slower way (large compost bins) when you have huge amounts of leaves, i.e. many large trees
2. The quicker way (Plastic bags) for smaller gardens where you may only have one or two tree leaves to deal with.

Here at Garden Ninja HQ, I use both methods. The large compost bins in my main garden and then plastic bags in the smaller borders, which I then tuck away behind the shed each year. Let's take a look at both ways of making leaf mould to see which way is best for your garden.

When is the best time of year to make leaf mould?

The best time to make Leaf mould is in Autumn, usually in October in the UK.

The best time to make leaf mould is when the leaves of trees are actively falling. There is no magical way to know when the leaves are ready other than the fact they have fallen to the ground. You can usually guess as they will be either yellow, brown, red or orange at this point, as explained in my guide here on why leaves change colour in autumn. By gathering them up and composting them together, you ultimately end up with a super light compost for plants.

There's no time limit on when you can make leaf mould, but gathering the leaves up as soon as they have fallen is best. This is mainly so you don't slip on them, and leaf falls on lawns don't cause the turf to go yellow with a lack of sunlight in the winter.

1. Making Leaf Mould in Compost Bins

The traditional way of making leaf mould involves creating composting bins of at least 1m x 1m in diameter. You can use four wooden stakes and then staple chicken wire against them to make the easiest leaf mould bin. Alternatively, you can follow my pallet compost bin guide here to make really sturdy, well-constructed leaf mould bins.

These bins are then lined with chicken wire to allow airflow and help the leaves break down. Below is an example of two leaf mould bins.

The disadvantage is that it takes a large amount of space, and if you don't use mesh around every side of the bin, a sudden gust of wind can whip out most of your leaves, taking you back to square one and having to clean them up again!

This method is best when trying to dispose of large amounts of leaves. To avoid the issue of the wind disturbing them, a plastic sheet on top with a brick usually does the trick. The above bins are quite crudely constructed. I prefer to use pallets for compost bins, which are sturdier and have greater longevity.

Making more stable bins means they last longer, and you can easily contain your leaf collection until it rots down. The above compost bin is made from pallets, making it super easy and secure. My compost bin guide below shows you a quick method of making large bins for leaf mould.

2. How to make leaf mould quickly in bin bags

There is a far easier way, which involves using bin liners or bags to make leaf mould, especially if you are new to leaf mould. This takes about half the time of the traditional method and guarantees you amazing leaf mould compost in about 12 months.

It's also great for those with space restrictions and those who can't build permanent compost bins. It allows you to make leaf mould and experience its benefits before committing to building custom permanent leaf mould compost bins. If you live in a small garden or urban space then making leaf mould in bags is the way to go as you can hide them behind sheds, at the back of flower beds or under trees!

Equipment to make leaf mould

• Bin liners or spent builders tonne bags
• Recently fallen leaves
• Garden Shredder (if you're in a rush for the good stuff!)
• Scissors
• Somewhere out of direct sunlight to store the bags of leaves.

Step 1: Collect your leaves

Fill a bin liner 2/3 full of leaves. I recommend deciduous leaves as these break down really quickly. Evergreen or waxy leaves can take a long time to decompose and may need shredding. To speed up the process, a shredder will help cut the leaves into smaller particles, expediting the process significantly!

Step 2: Fill your bag and tie it up

Compress the leaves tightly, then tie the bin liner up with a double knot. I recommend filling only 2/3 of the way, so you have enough liner left to tie. If they have drawstrings, you can fill your bin liner up with leaves!

Step 3: Add drainage if need be

Using the scissors, puncture some air holes around the bag's side and bottom. This allows any excess moisture to escape and stops the leaves from simply rotting into a foul soup of goop. If empty builders bags are used, these are already porous, so you don't need these holes added.

Step 4: Store the bag out of sunlight

Store the bag(s) somewhere out of direct sunlight. Ideal places are behind sheds or slightly shady spaces. Don't rest them against buildings as moisture build-up could cause dampness. You can even store them one on top of each other as long as there is drainage, and they can help you make maximum amounts of leaf mould!

Step 5: Leave the leaves to rot down

Forget about the bags for around 12 months. Go have a brew and enjoy life. Check on them the following spring to see if they are ready. You will know when the leaf mould is good to be used as it will be brown and crumbly a bit like compost, not wet and sticky like

This leaf mould needs more time, pop it back in and return to it in 3 months to check again.

Step 6: Check if the leaf mould is ready, and then use

After 12 months, check the bag. The leaf mould is ready if the contents are a dark brown, rich colour. If still a bit slimy or wet, leave it for an additional month and recheck. Once it is a nice loose crumb, you should start using your excellent leaf mould around the garden!

Reusing builders' sacks for leaf mould

If you've recently had hard landscaping done or ordered any materials from a builder's yard, you will likely have a couple of these huge plastic woven sacks lying around. Rather than sending them to landfills, why not reuse them to make amazing leaf mould?

Simply stuff them full of leaves, use the corner loops to tie them up and then leave somewhere out of the way for 12-18 months whilst they break down. They don't need draining holes as they already let water and air pass through them. It's a great way to start gardening without plastic. You can read my other gardening without plastic tips here.

What does leaf mould look like?

When leaf mould is ready for use, it should be a dark, rich brown colour, slightly moist, and crumbly. This is when it is at its prime. If it is dry and dusty, it may have already lost most of its good stuff. If it still looks like wet leaves, then it needs longer!

Can I use evergreen leaves for leaf mould?

The quick answer is yes, you can. However, evergreen leaves for leaf mould will take a lot longer to break down. On average they take 2-3 years to create good leaf mould.

If you're using evergreen leaves from hedge clippings or shrub prunings, it's best to shred them before making leaf mould. I mix them with deciduous leaves to help speed the process up, along with chopping up any glossy evergreen leaves.

Another caution is to avoid any thorny leaves, particularly Holly or Pyracantha, where the barbs or spines stay there for years. It can be a sharp surprise when grabbing a handful of leaf mould!

Hedge clippings like the Griselinia evergreen hedge above can make great leaf mould if you allow them to rot down over two years in a leaf mould bin. Alternatively, add most hedge clippings to a regular compost bin for faster results.

What can you use leaf mould for?

Leaf mould has many uses in the organic garden or for growing your own plants or vegetables. Let's take a look at the many uses of leaf mould.

i) Mulching

Leaf mould is a gardener’s secret weapon, offering a natural, cost-effective way to improve soil health while protecting plants from harsh conditions. This organic material is particularly valuable as a mulch, created by simply composting fallen leaves. When applied to your garden beds, it forms a protective layer that helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, reducing water stress during the high temperatures of summer. This means your plants stay hydrated for longer, even in dry spells.

ii) Growing Plants from Seed

One of the standout qualities of leaf mould is its incredibly fine crumbly texture. This makes it perfect for use with seedlings and young plants. Its light, airy structure allows roots to establish easily, while its free-draining properties prevent waterlogging—making it ideal for propagation and nurturing delicate plants.

iii) Improving Compacted Soil

For gardeners battling compacted soil, leaf mould is a game-changer. When worked into heavy or dense soils, it improves aeration and drainage, creating an environment where plant roots can thrive. Over time, the organic matter breaks down further, enriching the soil with nutrients and encouraging beneficial microbial activity.

iV) Top Dressing Lawns with Leaf Mould

Leaf mould also has a lesser-known use: as a top dressing for lawns. Applying a thin layer in autumn or spring acts as a natural, slow-release fertilizer, gradually feeding the grass and improving soil structure beneath. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to keep your lawn lush and healthy without relying on synthetic products.

Whether mulching, propagating, improving soil texture, or enhancing your lawn, leaf mould is a versatile and sustainable resource that every gardener should incorporate into their routine. Best of all, it’s free and easy to make—just collect fallen leaves, pile them up, and let nature do the rest!

Do I need a shredder to make leaf mould?

The quick answer is no, you don't need a shredder to make amazing leaf mould. However, plenty of online shorts, reels, and TikToks argue that you do. This is probably because it makes for a more interesting video than someone filling a compost bin full of leaves. Shredding can speed up the leaf mould process, but in my expert opinion, it causes more environmental issues than the time it may or may not save.

Should I use a shredder for leaf mould?

Using a shredder for creating leaf mould has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your gardening needs and resources. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if investing in or using a shredder is right for you:

Pros of Shredding Leaves

1. Faster Decomposition: Shredding leaves significantly speeds up the decomposition process. Smaller leaf pieces have a greater surface area, which allows microorganisms to break them down more efficiently. This means you can create usable leaf mould in months rather than years.
2. Space-Saving: Shredded leaves take up far less space than whole leaves, which is especially useful if you have limited composting or storage space. A smaller pile is also easier to manage and turn.
3. Improved Texture: Shredded leaves produce a finer-textured leaf mould, ideal for applications like seed-starting mixes or light top-dressing. The even texture also makes it easier to work the material into the soil.
4. Easier Handling: Smaller, shredded leaves are less prone to matting, which can create a barrier that blocks water and air. Shredding helps maintain a well-aerated pile, preventing issues like anaerobic conditions and unpleasant odours.
5. Versatility: Shredded leaves can be used immediately as mulch, providing weed suppression and moisture retention while they break down into leaf mould. The finer texture also makes them suitable for mixing directly into garden beds.

Drawbacks of Shredding Leaves

1. Cost of Equipment: Shredders can be an expensive investment, especially for casual gardeners or those with smaller gardens. Even renting a shredder can add up over time.
2. Energy Use: Electric or gas-powered shredders consume energy, which may not align with eco-friendly gardening principles. Hand-held or manual shredders are available but can be labour-intensive.
3. Noise and Pollution: Shredders can be noisy and disruptive, especially in residential areas. Gas-powered models can also produce fumes, making them less environmentally friendly.
4. Time and Effort: While shredding accelerates decomposition, the process of collecting, shredding, and managing large volumes of leaves can be time-consuming. This may outweigh the convenience of simply letting leaves break down naturally.
5. Potential Wear and Tear: Some types of leaves, such as wet or thick waxy ones, may clog or dull shredder blades over time, requiring maintenance or replacement.
6. Risk of Over-Shredding: Excessively fine shredding can sometimes lead to overly compacted piles if not properly aerated. This can reduce oxygen flow and slow decomposition, counteracting the benefits.

I never bother to shred leaves for leaf mould. In my experience, it doesn't save time and just pumps out loads of fumes, carbon, and pollution to the environment. This is counterproductive to trying to be an ethical and wildlife-conscious gardener!

Is it legal to take fallen leaves from other people's gardens?

In the UK, taking fallen leaves from someone else's property without permission can technically be considered trespassing or theft, depending on the circumstances. Here's a breakdown of what you should know:

Private Property

If the fallen leaves are on private property, they legally belong to the property owner. Removing them without explicit permission could be considered theft under the Theft Act 1968. Even if the leaves are seen as a nuisance or are unused by the property owner, they are still technically theirs.

Public Property

Leaves on public land, such as pavements, parks, or verges, are typically the responsibility of the local council or land management authority. While councils rarely prosecute small-scale leaf collection (e.g., for personal composting), it is always best to check local rules or seek permission, as technically, the leaves belong to the authority managing the area.

From Your Neighbor's Tree

If a neighbour’s tree drops leaves onto your property, it becomes your responsibility to clear those leaves up, even though the tree belongs to your neighbour. However, this does not mean you are entitled to take leaves that fall on their side of the boundary.

Practical Advice

1. Ask Permission: If you want to collect leaves from private property, ask the owner. Most people won’t mind if it’s for gardening purposes.
2. Check Local Council Guidelines: For leaves on public property, check with your local council for any restrictions or rules on leaf collection.
3. Use Leaves on Your Property: To avoid potential disputes, focus on collecting and composting leaves from your garden or property.

Why not Learn How to Design Your Own Garden?

Why not consider expanding your plant and garden design knowledge with one of my online gardening courses? My Garden Design for Beginners Course is here to help you transform your garden from average to amazing with an affordable online course, no matter how little your experience with plants.

This course offers step-by-step guidance from me, Lee Burkhill—award-winning garden designer and presenter on BBC1’s Garden Rescue. In this course, you’ll go from a garden design novice to a confident designer equipped to tackle any green space.

What You’ll Learn:

• Design Principles – Master essential design concepts.
• Planting Techniques – Select and arrange plants like a pro.
• Design Styles & Layout Options – Explore different styles to suit every garden.

Course Features:

• 20 Hours of Study Time
• Flexible Online Learning
• Engaging Video Lessons & Quizzes
• Real-World Case Studies
• Certification upon Completion
• Taught by Award-Winning Designer Lee Burkhill

Enrol now for just £199 and start your journey toward garden design mastery!

Summary

Making your own leaf mould is highly beneficial for gardeners and helps close the loop by recycling in the garden. Firstly, it provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to recycle organic waste, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and landfill contributions. Secondly, leaf mould enhances soil structure by improving its texture, water retention, and aeration, creating an optimal environment for plant growth.

Additionally, it adds valuable organic matter to the soil, enriching it with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Moreover, leaf mould helps suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and prevent erosion, contributing to overall garden health and resilience. Furthermore, producing leaf mould is cost-effective and easy, requiring minimal effort and resources. Making your own leaf mould is a valuable practice promoting soil health, sustainability, and garden vitality.

If you are wondering how best to mulch and what the benefits are, why not read my guide on how to mulch here.

Happy composting!

Subscribe to my Newsletter!

Your e-mail address is only used to send you our newsletter, discounts and the latest Gardening Guides. You can always use the unsubscribe link included in the newsletter.

Email Address*

Name