How to Prepare Dead Leaves for Compost

Instead of raking up your leaves, stuffing them into trash bags, and hauling them to the curb for trash pickup, use the leaves to make compost for enriching your garden soil. Before making a compost pile, check local ordinances, as there may be local laws that regulate or prohibit compost piles. Select a dry, flat area away from buildings, pets, and water runoff. Don't place the pile under a tree, but select a somewhat sheltered area, protected from the wind.

Rake
Fertilizer
Garden hose
Pitchfork

Instructions

- 1
  Spread the leaves out on the flat area. Make the pile about 4 or 5 feet square, and about 8 inches high.
- 2
  Sprinkle 1 cup of fertilizer over the top of the pile. Use 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer.
- 3
  Cover the pile with 2 inches of garden soil. If you have more leaves, you can add more layers, beginning with the leaves, then fertilizer, then garden soil. The ultimate height of the pile should be about the same as the width of the pile.
- 4
  Sprinkle the pile with water, using the garden hose. The moistness of the pile should be that of a wrung-out sponge. Maintain that moistness, and do not allow the pile to dry out or get too wet.
- 5
  Turn the pile about once a week with a pitchfork. Sprinkle the pile with water when necessary. Turn the pile more frequently if it begins to smell. The compost will be ready in one to five months. It will resemble garden soil.

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