Can I keep a leaf compost next to my regular compost bin?
I have A LOT of mulched leaves, piled 3 feet high. Can I keep that pile separate from my main regular compost bin, and periodically add leaves to that main compost?
Also, I don’t have any green compost yet (kitchen scraps), but when I do, what is the best way to start, what kind of bin should I use? Can I make one, rather than buy one? And does starting now (fall in New England) mean I need to do anything different?
Thanks!
Yes you can do that. I have the same thing as you, lots of leaves. I to put them in a separate pile since they are a “woody” type compost it takes longer to decompose. My compost pile is kitchen scrapes( no meat) and grass clippings .
Anything will work to contain the compost as long as you rotate it on occasion so it can get the air circulation GL
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I think maybe you’re making composting sound more difficult than it needs to be. Yes, everything rots. Throw it all in one bin, and turn it occasionally. That’s all you need to do. The simplest composting is your 3′ pile. Make it more durable by adding any reinforcing you want, starting from wire fencing up to a wooden or plastic container. The key thing is make your pile at least 3′ square, so it heats up enough. Most of the other details are trivial. Old time gardeners used whatever was handy, even old pallets. It really doesn’t matter much.
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Leaves are natures greatest organic compost and planting bed mulch. Plus, when you start saving kitchen scraps, you can bury them in the leaves so they don’t stink up your yard, they will break down faster. I use a plastic coffee can for my compost scraps, that way it is emptied regularly. I only use vegetative matter, no animal product like meat scraps or egg shells. It takes about 2 years for a good compost pile to turn fully to compost. The best way to get it composted fast is give it a lot of water, I have rain barrels that collect the water from my downspout and have set them up with an overflow hose into my compost pile. Hint: coffee grounds, with filters and tea bags make excellent compost. It helps keep your soil loose and moist. Don’t forget to “turn” your pile now and then. Whatever you do, do not throw weeds into your compost bin, those seeds will wait for you to add the compost to your garden then sprout all over.
If you want to keep a seperate pile of leaves for mulching, keep the leaves really wet so they stick together in clumps. They you can pat them in your planting beds around your newly sprouted seedlings and between rows. It helps to keep the ground moist so you use less water and keeps the weeds at bay.
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Yes you can do that. I have the same thing as you, lots of leaves. I to put them in a separate pile since they are a “woody” type compost it takes longer to decompose. My compost pile is kitchen scrapes( no meat) and grass clippings .
Anything will work to contain the compost as long as you rotate it on occasion so it can get the air circulation GL
References :