Composting Tips for Fall: Turn Leaves into Gardening Gold

As fall sets in and the trees start to shed their leaves, it’s also the perfect time for composting. If you’re an outdoor lover or green thumb, you will know this is the best time to start enriching  your garden soil for the coming year. Let’s delve into some composting tactics that will help you make the most of the autumn season.

Embrace Your Autumn Leaves

Don’t start raking those beautiful autumn leaves from your yard into piles just yet - they’re a composting goldmine! You might want to consider adding them to your compost bin. Shredded leaves are ideal as they break down faster, providing a perfect carbon source to balance nitrogen-rich waste like kitchen scraps.

Use a lawn mower with a bag attached to shred your leaves quickly and conveniently. This will give you a nice mulch that’s easy to add to your compost pile.

Kitchen Scraps are Garden Gold

The autumn season means lots of cooking and hearty homemade meals. Don’t throw away your kitchen scraps though - especially fruit or vegetable peels, and coffee grounds. These nitrogen-rich materials are great additions to boost your compost. Remember to avoid adding dairy, meat or oils, as they will attract wildlife and pests.

Balance is Crucial 

If you’re a green thumb, you will know that a successful compost requires a good balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich sources) and "browns" (carbon sources). When you add in your autumn leaves, also mix in some kitchen scraps and other greens. The ideal ratio is about 2:1 browns to greens.

Example: For every two bags of leaves, toss in a bin of kitchen scraps. This balance will encourage healthy decomposition.

Moist but Not Soggy

Fall can be a tricky season for maintaining the right moisture level for your compost pile. Decomposition slows down if your pile is too dry; while you risk creating a smelly mess if it’s too wet. A rule of thumb is to aim for the moisture level of a damp sponge. If the pile gets too dry, add some water; and you can mix in more browns if it’s too moist.

Add in Some Manure

Animal manure is another fantastic option for enriching your compost if you have access to it. It’s nitrogen-rich and helps speed up decomposition for better composting. Just remember to use composted manure; as fresh manure can be too strong and may damage your plants.

Tip: If you're close to a farm or areas with livestock, ask the owners if you can take some off their hands. 

Add Some Microbes

Microorganisms are often neglected, but they are really the superheroes of composting. They break down organic matter fast, turning it into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants. You can also add microbe-rich materials like worm castings, or even some soil from your garden to give your compost pile an extra kick. 

Turn It Up

During the composting process, it is essential to turn your compost pile to aerate it and speed up decomposition. Autumn is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and take composting to the next level! Use a shovel to turn the pile every few weeks. This will bring more oxygen, which is crucial to allow the microbes to break down your pile. 

Consider a Worm Bin

If you have limited space or want to speed up your composting even more, consider using a worm bin. Worms love kitchen scraps and can help turn the waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost. They’re relatively easy to manage, and are perfect for fall when outdoor composting slows down. 

All in all, fall is a great time for composting and to turn your waste into gold for your garden. By utilizing fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, and even manure, you can create a rich compost that will nourish your plants for months. Start composting today - your garden will thank you for it!