Making leaf mold

摘要

Recycle fall's debris to create this organic soil amendment and mulch. As a graduate student, I once rented a house and was delighted to discover, tucked into the edge of some woods along the back of the yard, a gold mine: a large, old pile of leafmold, or composted leaves, representing years and years of accumulated leaves that had been raked from the property and piled there. I eagerly used my new hidden treasure throughout the garden and believe me, my plants were much happier for it. Althoughnot particularly rich in nutrients itself, when incorporated into the soil, this organic amendment physically alters the soil so that it becomes spongier, holding both moisture and air--a heavenly environment to plant roots. When applied to the soil surface as mulch, leaf mold prevents extreme fluctuations in soil temperature, keeps the soil surface loose so water penetrates easily, and retains soil moisture by slowing water evaporation. Leaf mold also stimulates biological activity in the soil, creating a microbial environment that helps thwart pests.