Leaf mould - What to do with those leaves you have to move

Leaves are full of nutrients from the soil - something we no longer have in abundance. When they fall they both protect the plants roots from the cold wet ground and break back down ready to be re-consumed. But we humans for some reason have the habit of taking them away. If you can’t leave them be, instead of sending them to the dump in a plastic bag to nourish some more plastic…. if they ever make it out. Consider making leaf mould to replenish your garden and the earth! Leaf mould is the result of fungi acting on dead leaves, as opposed to decomposition like you see in compost, it retains a lot of water, makes structure for your soil and provides a home for worms and benefical bacteria.  Just create a pile, with pallets, a bag, within some stones or just free standing out of the wind, if dry add some water or wait for rain. Aerate every so often and leave be.Eventually, you’ll see a fantastic mulching product and if you’re even more patient you’ll be left with something akin to a forest floor which you can use throughout the garden at any time.