Leaves as compost.

[cheapskate chaz]

Having looked at various sources,no-one has mentioned which leaves to avoid, does this mean that any leaf will do? so as the compost process does it`s job there will be no diseases to worry about?
I fancy going out with a couple of builders bags and sweeping up fallen Beech tree leafs,and nettles from the road side(safely)for cheapskate composting

chaz

PS. for cheap easy composting, get two builders bags, half fill one then place the other over it and `tumble` every couple of weeks.

[Thelma Sanders]

Beech leaves rot fairly quickly, others not so.
Avoid evergreens and conifers which take forever to rot down, or stack them separately.

[arpoet]

I find the best time to collect leaves is on a frosty day when they are still crispy. They break down quite well on the hos muck pile.

[rustylady]

I get the grandchildren collecting leaves in big bags whenever we can get them. They think it's fun, and it saves me a lot of backache.

All leaves get taken to the allotment, soaked, and put into a wire cage. Doesn't matter what sort they are.

[Greenleaves]

I was told fruit leaves should be avoided.....is that true?

[Two_Sheds]

Nope. Why would fruit tree leaves be bad? What was the reasoning?



and evergreens... wouldn't drop any leaves, would they?

[sparrow100]

I was told fruit leaves should be avoided.....is that true?

maybe check the leaves? My pears have pear rust v badly and the advice I have had is to remove and burn. Others are leaving theirs be and will likely compost the leaves.