How to Make Leaf Mulch for Your Garden

Leaving a thick layer of unshredded leaves on your lawn can form a dense mat that smothers grass and promotes disease. However, when managed correctly, leaves become a free and effective tool for organic gardening. From creating nutrient-rich mulch to insulating tender plants, fallen leaves are a valuable asset you can use in your garden throughout the year.

If you have deciduous trees, that is, trees that lose their leaves in autumn, your seasonal lawncare checklist will always include raking leaves. The leaves can be pretty when they drop, but if left all winter, they will form a dense mat that promotes disease and harms the grass.

Rake the leaves and, instead of sending them to the landfill, shred them and use them in your lawn. You can also bag up the leaves and give them to a gardening neighbor who makes their own leaf litter (or mulch).

Tips for raking leaves:

• Choose a day without wind.
• Dry leaves are easier to rake than wet. Plan to rake before a rain.
• Get the right leaf rake for you. There are plastic and metal versions to choose from.
• Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.
• Get more tips on raking leaves.

Tip: Pine needles make an excellent mulch, too, and they don’t need to be shredded or decomposed before use. Just rake, consolidate and spread them where needed.

Whole leaves block moisture and air from reaching the soil, so shredding them is the first step for most uses. Smaller pieces decompose faster, quickly releasing nutrients into the soil. Shredded leaves are an organic source of nourishment for your lawn and garden beds.

How to Shred Leaves:

• The easiest way to grind up leaves is with an electric leaf shredder. If you don't have one, your lawn mower is a great alternative.
• Gather leaves: Rake leaves into a pile on a calm day. Dry leaves are much easier to manage and shred than wet ones.
• Using a leaf shredder: Following all safety directions, feed the leaves into the shredder. Wear work gloves and eye protection. Catch the shredded pieces in a bag or large container for easy transport.
• Use a lawn mower: Spread leaves in a layer a few inches thick. Set your mower to a low height and pass over the leaves several times. Using a mower with a bagging attachment will collect the shredded pieces for you.

Once your leaves are shredded, you have what gardeners call "black gold." Here are the best ways to put it to work:

• Create a Natural Mulch.

Shredded leaves make an effective mulch that suppresses weeds, helps soil retain moisture and feeds soil as it breaks down. Keep in mind you can added shredded leaves to other organic mulch products like chipped and shredded tree limbs and bark.

When ready to use, apply a layer of shredded leaf mulch 2 to 4 inches deep around your plants. Be careful to keep the mulch about an inch away from plant stems and tree trunks. Piling mulch directly against the base, known as "volcano mulching," traps moisture and leads to rot or disease.

• Boost Your Compost Pile.

A healthy compost pile requires a balance of "browns" (carbon-rich materials) and "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials). Leaves are the perfect carbon source for your compost.

Layer your shredded leaves with green materials like fresh grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and plant trimmings. While shredding helps them decompose faster, you can add whole leaves as well. This mixture will break down over time into a rich, soil-enriching compost for your garden.

• Make Nutrient-Dense Leaf Mold.

Leaf mold is a superb soil conditioner made purely from decomposed leaves. It dramatically improves soil structure and is excellent at retaining moisture, which helps keep the ground cool during warmer months.

To make leaf mold, pack shredded leaves into a black garbage bag. Sprinkle some water into the bag to add moisture, and poke a few holes for air circulation. After about six months to a year, you will have a dark, crumbly leaf mold ready to be added to your garden beds or potting mixes.

• Insulate Plants for Winter.

A blanket of leaves protects tender plants from harsh winter winds and freezing temperatures. This is especially useful for perennials, roses and root vegetables.

• For Tender Plants.

Create a collar around the base of your plants using wire fencing. Pack shredded leaves inside the fence at least six inches deep. In the spring, simply rake them up and add them to your compost.

• For Hardy Vegetables.

You can extend your harvest season by covering cold-hardy vegetables like carrots, kale, leeks and beets with a thick layer of leaves. This insulation keeps the ground from freezing solid, allowing you to dig them up throughout the winter.