The Benefits of Leaf Mold Fertilizer for Sustainable Gardening

by Sabrina Tossie March 31, 2023

Leaf mold is a valuable resource in any garden, especially if you're looking for a sustainable and organic way to maintain healthy soil. This organic soil amendment is made up of partially decomposed leaves, meaning it's full of microorganisms, fungi, and other beneficial organisms that help create a healthy ecosystem. Leaf mold is a natural way to boost soil structure, increase plant resistance to pests and diseases, and even regenerate degraded land.

Making leaf mold fertilizer is a simple process that any gardener can accomplish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own:

Find an area with high vegetation and collect the well decomposed layer of leaves. The best places to look for these are in areas that are rich in biodiversity and natural vegetation. Avoid areas with heavy use of chemicals or where there are few or no plants.
Prepare a 5-gallon bucket of water and add a tablespoon of sea salt. Make sure to use unchlorinated water, as chlorine can kill beneficial organisms.
Next, add a few handfuls of leaf mold into a paint strainer bag (or pair of socks). Then add a boiled potato and a few rocks. The potato helps to create a source of nutrient for the microorganisms and fungi to feed on, while the rocks add weight to the bag and help to keep it submerged in the water.
Put the bag into the bucket of salt water and knead and squeeze the materials for several minutes. This will help to encourage the growth of beneficial organisms and distribute them throughout the solution.
After kneading, suspend the bag in the water using a stick or an object that can support it when hanging. Then cover the bucket and wait for 2-3 days, depending on weather conditions. This period will give enough time for the biology activity to start and the formation of microbes will appear on the surface.
Once you see foaming or fizzing on the surface, it means that biology activity is taking place, and the solution is now ready for use. Dilute the solution 1:50 with unchlorinated water.
Water your plants with this diluted solution. You can either drench the roots or spray the plants directly. Your plants will benefit from the nutrients in the solution and also from the beneficial microorganisms that will help maintain soil structure and regulate soil nutrients.

Leaf mold fertilizer can be used in garden beds, potted plants, or even in lawn care. It's an organic and sustainable way to keep your soil healthy and full of life. Remember to always look to nature for your garden's solutions, and embrace the balance of good and bad elements that keep our natural world thriving.