How to Make Leaf Mold—a DIY Soil Amendment That Boosts Plant Health

Leaf mold, often called "garden gold," is an excellent and cost-effective soil amendment that can significantly enhance your garden beds. Not only is it simple to create, but it also comes at no cost to you. This rich, natural material, which is made from fallen leaves, can also be added to your garden pots to enrich the soil and boost container plant health. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, incorporating leaf mold into your gardening routine improves soil structure and greatly benefits your plants. Below, experts in regenerative and natural farming methods share how to make leaf mold for your garden.

What is Leaf Mold?

Leaf mold is the byproduct of leaves from deciduous trees that have been broken down slowly by fungi. "When leaves decompose, they form a rich, compost-like material we call leaf mold," says Jesse Frost, author of The Living Soil Handbook. "It happens naturally on the forest floor or can be created in leaf piles."

The fungi that decompose leaves are called saprotrophic fungi. "These are fungi skilled at decomposing the woody lignin that leaves are made of," says Frost. The fungi are present in the leaf mold when it is added to the garden, but they are not pathogenic to plants. "They are generally good guys in the garden, releasing nutrients from leaves and wood chips for your plants to take up and turn into food," says Frost.

Benefits of Leaf Mold

Leaf mold is a highly nutritious soil amendment that can be used as a mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. "Leaf mold can also be an excellent source of beneficial microbiology for the soil," Frost adds. The nutrients in the leaf mold will vary a lot based on how it was made, such as what type of leaves are collected, but leaf mold is generally a balanced material, says Frost. This means it isn’t high in NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) like manure-based composts can be. Instead, it's higher in things like calcium and magnesium. "This is why it's often referred to as a soil conditioner, as leaf mold is good for soil texture and health, but not overwhelming in terms of nutrients," he says. 

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How to Make Leaf Mold

Making leaf mold is easy. You collect fallen leaves, place them in a designated spot, water them, and wait. The decomposition process takes six to 12 months or longer. Leaf mold can be made by storing leaves in a compost bin or a plastic bag. Choose the method that is easiest for you.

Collect the Leaves

Collect freshly fallen leaves while steering clear of dried-out ones. Rake the leaves into a wagon for easier transport, or fill a large plastic bag as you gather them. Aim to collect enough leaves to fill a large plastic bag or bin that is at least 3 feet high and 3 feet wide.

Store Leaves in a Bag

When storing leaves in a large plastic bag, fill the bag three-quarters full and moisten the leaves with a garden hose. Tie the top of the bag securely. Then, puncture holes in the bottom and sides of the bag to allow for airflow. Check the bag monthly and add more water if the leaves appear dry.

Store Leaves in a Bin

When storing leaves in a bin, fill the bin with the collected leaves and thoroughly dampen the entire pile using a garden hose. Check the leaf pile periodically and moisten it again if it seems dry. Cover the bin with a plastic tarp to lock in moisture and keep the leaves consistently moist.

Turn the Leaves

When storing leaves in a bin, use a shovel or garden fork to turn the pile every few weeks. If you're using a plastic bag to store leaves, turn the bag over. This will speed up the composting process by introducing more air.

How to Use Leaf Mold

Now that the waiting time is over, it’s time to use your garden gold. Here are simple ways to apply it in your growing spaces.

• As mulch: Apply a 2-inch layer of leaf mold to your garden beds to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect against soil erosion. Keep the organic matter several inches from the plant crowns, as placing it too close can lead to rot.
• As a soil amendment: To enhance soil texture and drainage, mix a 2-inch layer of leaf mold into the top 2 to 3 inches of soil in your garden bed.
• As a potting soil base: Instead of peat, use leaf mold as a base for potting soil by mixing it with perlite, vermiculite, or rice hulls to create a well-draining mix.

How to Make Instant Leaf Mold

Chris Trump, an expert in natural farming methods, shares another technique for retrieving nutrients from fallen leaves without waiting. "This simple compost extract method doesn’t have to sit at all," he says. All you have to do is grab some decomposing leaves and wash them with water. "Two giant handfuls of leaf litter will make 20 liters or 4 gallons of liquid for the garden," Trump says.

1. Collect fallen leaves that have been decomposing for a while. They should look and feel like brown compost.
2. Place the leaf material in a colander with a bucket positioned under it to catch the liquid.
3. Pass water through the colander, similar to making pour-over coffee.
4. Water your garden with this liquid.