General Question

Anatelostaxus's avatar

Are these solutions good for my compost?

Asked by Anatelostaxus (1428points) November 3rd, 2011

Alongside my main compost pile, I was thinking about digging a hole to be filled with (almost) all the fallen leaves I’ve managed to gather (except walnut).
I’ve read and heard that this is a good compost investment. I’m considering the the following :

1) As I’ve read, I should cut all the leaves to put in the earth, but what if I soak them for a few days instead and then put them in (using the water for the main compost pile and house-plants, perhaps)?

2) About the population of earthworms therein; would it be a problem if burrowing animals (i.e. moles) reach and cross the hole? (do they eat earthworms)?

3) Should I put anything else in the hole? And how deep should it be for over winter process?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

6 Answers

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

Why go to the extra work? Just compost them with the other material.

Brian1946's avatar

What are you currently doing with your fallen leaves?

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

The best compost is a mix of green and brown. It provides nutrients and soil structure.

gailcalled's avatar

Unless you want a serious exercise unit, don’t bother. Just throw stuff on the pile. Actually, having several piles is useful; one that is ripe and ready and rich; one in the process of composting and the third as a starter, like the baby bear.

citygrlincountry's avatar

I rake all of my leaves into a big pile next to my composter—then from Fall until next end of summer, I keep adding batches of them into the compost. By end of summer, they are gone and then I start again. No hole, no bother. I think there are enough on my pile that they don’t really blow around so much—they stay pretty much in place until I scoop them up and put them in the composter.

prioritymail's avatar

You might want to cover the pile with something to insulate. Heat accelerates breakdown. Like someone else says you need to balance green with brown. You will also want to mix/stir the pile periodically to aerate. Why do you want to soak the leaves first? I am not seeing the benefit of doing that but maybe you know something I don’t.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther