How To: Turn Your Leaves Into Mulch

Don't let all the leaves that fall in your yard end up in a trash bag headed for an incinerator. Mulch made from autumn leaves is an excellent alternative to burning them into the atmosphere. Follow this guide, then watch your garden flourish come spring.

1. First, rake your leaves into a pile. For the biggest effect, enlist
   your neighbors to contribute to the pile. Be sure to keep the leaves
   dry.
2. Next, shred your leaves with a lawn mover or a leaf shredder. Doing
   this will help the leaves decompose.
3. Once your leaves are shredded, add them to a mulch bin. To make one,
   all you need is four 4ft tree stakes, a roll of chicken wire and
   U-staples. You can get all these things at a hardware store or garden
   supply store.
4. Add the leaves in 12 to 18 inch layers. On top of each later, add a
   handful of urea, ammonium nitrate, bone meal, or a layer of grass
   clippings. This adds the nitrogen you need to break down the leaves.
5. Next, mix the content of your pile with water. Don't go overboard with
   the moisture. You want the leaves wet, but not soaked so they don't
   mold.
6. Cover your mulch bins with a tarp or piece of plastic over the winter.
   In the spring, your mulch will be ready to add to your garden.