Leaf composting for owners of garden sheds

10:10:20 29th October 2010

As leaves can take a long time to rot, it is essential that leaf composting is carried out in the right conditions.

Writing in response to a reader's query, Helen Yemm of the Telegraph stresses that moisture is an essential component in making sure the leaves decompose.

During particularly dry periods, the leaves should be given additional moisture, while adding some damp garden soil may help.

Furthermore, the leaves should be turned every few months to ensure that moisture from the middle of the pile is spread out.

She also notes that keeping leaves separate from other composting matter, such as kitchen waste, is a sensible move as the leaves rot much more slowly.

Owners of garden sheds having difficulty with their leaf composting efforts may find these methods help to make the process more effective.

Meanwhile, leaves should be raked up regularly throughout the autumn to ensure lawns and plants stay healthy, according to liveforgardening.com.