Worms and leaf mulch

[nerobot]

Hi,

I know it is not really the right time of the year to be thinking about this.

There are a few trees in my communal garden and I should be able to get lots of leaves from them in the Autumn. Therefore I'm thinking of making a leaf mulch bin with a bottom. I'm thinking of placing a load of composting worms in it, but I'm not sure if the worms can survive on only dead leaves. Will I need to feed them other things or are the leaves enough. Also, Is it actually worth putting the worms in it - will it break down quicker?

Thanks for any advice.

Steven

[WrexTheDragon]

Red wigglers like leaf mould, but it will depend on the type of tree.

I would mix some paper/cardboard in with the leaf and if you have some finely ground dried egg shell, all the better.

[BFG]

I thought fungi broke down leaves? I'd not bother with the worms and see what happens. If any turn up, good for them.

[NOG]

You are trying to mix things up. You need to decide what you want, Leaf Mold, Compost or a wormary.

If its Leaf Mold,,,just pile up the leaves and leave them....they will just break down.
Compost you need Greens, Browns and paper....or get a wormary.

[rustylady]

I put my leaves in a black plastic rubbish bag, or empty multipurpose compost bag, tie the top, pierce some drainage holes in the bottom and leave them to it. Takes about a year but it's lovely stuff

[Two_Sheds]

I put my leaves in a black plastic rubbish bag, or empty multipurpose compost bag, tie the top, pierce some drainage holes in the bottom and leave them to it. Takes about a year but it's lovely stuff

Agreed ... and there's always a few tiger worms in the bag when you empty it, they get in somehow all by themselves. I wouldn't buy any.

[nerobot]

OK. Thanks for the advice. I think I'll just put some leaves in a bag and not bother with the worms.

On a similar note: Is it worth putting some Autumn leave in the compost bin or will it not really add much to the compost?

Steven

[Two_Sheds]

don't put leaves in the compost bin, it will slow it right down. Keep them separate

[nerobot]

Two sheds: Thanks for the information. Definatly need to get an extra bin for the leaves then.

Steven

[PeshB7]

Make sure the leaves are dry and run over them with a lawn mower. You will get tiny pieces in the collection box. Mix this with greens and they will rot down a lot quicker.

Dont put them in whole in a compost bin, will slow it down too much.