Value of Leaf Compost

[jacobtowne]

For the past twenty years, I've been dumping oak leaves behind the house off a small embankment, which is about eight feet high. My yard is ankle deep in these leaves in the fall, since there are many oak trees here.

Recently, I worked at the bottom of this pile, pulling off the top layer to obtain leaf mold, which is recommended for plants such as radish, carrot, and cabbages. Under last fall's leaves was a layer of matted leaves, tan in color, that I assume (correct me if I'm mistaken) are the deposit from the previous year, and would still be in the process of decomposing, so would have plenty of nitrogen to offer.

Beneath that were many thin layers of much darker leaves, all wet of course, maroon-brown in color. The leaves of the bottom-most layer broke apart in my hand.

And beneath that final layer were several inches of brown compost, fluffy material even though wet. I mined about four bushels of this compost, and brought it to a spot close to the garden. After dumping several inches on the ground, I sprinkled a little calcitic, rapid-acting lime, and a light dusting of wood ash. Then I added another layer.

I'd welcome any comments and suggestions on what I've done so far.

So, to the question. How does oak leaf compost rate with other composts?

JT

[jack]

Gidday

Well I don't think you need both lime and wood ash as both are very alkali and could stuff up your PH.

There would be very little nitrogen in leaves because they have all dried out but the leaf mould would have from the bacterial action after the decomposition.

Why not just mulch all your garden in the leaves and let them break down there to save the double handling?

[Talks With Beagles]

I agree with Jack. Or you could just grind the leaves up with your lawnmower; grass needs mulch too. I am a great believer in the "composting-in-place" theory.

[strongtower9]

I dump all mine in the garden to start with.