How to Make Leaves Rot in the Ground

Rake up the leaves into a large pile using a wide broom rake, also called a leaf rake. Mow over the leaves a few times to cut them into smaller pieces that break down faster, if desired. If you have a lawnmower with a bag attachment, you can simply mow over the leaves without raking. Don't worry if grass clippings end up in the leaf pile -- fresh-cut grass is rich in nitrogen, which helps break down carbon-rich brown leaves faster.

Dig a hole in the ground to a depth of about 2 feet, or large enough to hold all the leaves. Pit composting can lead to water pooling in the pit, which makes the leaves too wet, so dig the hole in soil with good drainage and away from low-lying areas to help the excess water drain.

Drill a series of 1/2-inch diameter holes along either side of two 2-inch diameter PVC pipes; cut the pipes at least 12 inches longer than the compost pit depth. Stand the pipes upright near the center of the compost pit to create vents that allow better oxygen circulation throughout the leaves. The vents are optional, but better oxygen flow leads to faster decomposition.

Fill the compost pit with the leaves; spread them evenly around the optional pipe vents while holding the vents upright. Add nitrogen-rich organic composting materials to the leaves, if desired, and mix to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients. Nitrogen-rich materials, such as manure, green grass clippings and food scraps, as well as nitrogen-rich fertilizer, feed the microorganisms that break down the leaves. Additionally, nitrogen allows the leaf compost pile to heat up and break down faster than leaves will alone.

Spray the compost pit with a gentle mist of water until the leaves are damp, but not wet. You shouldn't be able to squeeze water from a handful of leaves. Turn the compost materials with a shovel or pitchfork to ensure that all the leaves receive moisture.

Turn the leaves in the pit about once monthly, using a shovel or pitchfork. The leaves and other compost materials at the top of the pile should be moved to the bottom of the pile so it all decomposes evenly. Remove the optional PVC pipe vents before turning the pile, and replace them when finished.

Spray the composting leaves with a gentle mist of water after turning the pile, and as needed to maintain a constant dampness in the pile. Moisture is essential in the decomposition process, but too much water fills empty pore space that would otherwise be filled with beneficial oxygen.

Cover the compost pit with a tarp to prevent too much water from pooling up in the pit if the leaves stay too wet. Place bricks, stones or other objects around the edges to hold down the tarp. Remove the stones and lift one end of the tarp to drain off water after rainfall. If you use a tarp, you must insert the PVC pipe vents at an angle so they stick out from the sides of the tarp.

Dig up the finished leaf mold or compost about one year later or when the materials have decomposed into fine, black compost. If you use whole leaves, or if you don't turn the pile or add nitrogen materials, it can take two years or more to break down the leaves.