Скачать или смотреть Why Build Healthy Soil? How to Make Compost and Leaf Mold for a Sustainable Garden

Hey friends. I’m Kelly--I garden in SW Ohio (Zone 6b), and I believe in working with nature to build healthier, more productive gardens. Did you know that great soil is the key to thriving plants—and that we’re actually feeding the soil rather than the plants themselves? In this video, I’ll show you how compost and leaf mold can supercharge your garden while reducing waste. These natural soil-building techniques enrich microbial life, improve soil structure, and create a closed-loop system that keeps your garden and greenhouse thriving year after year. If you’re passionate about gardening, sustainability, and making the most of what you grow—subscribe and join me on this journey! 🌿

Steps to Start Composting:
1. Choose a Location: Set up a compost bin or pile in a well-drained, partially shaded area.
2. Gather Materials: Collect green materials (like vegetable scraps, grass clippings) and brown materials (like dried leaves, straw).
3. Layer Greens and Browns: Alternate layers of greens and browns to create a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (25-30:1).
4. Maintain Moisture: Keep the pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge to support microbial activity.
5. Turn the Pile: Aerate regularly by turning the compost with a pitchfork or shovel to speed decomposition.
6. Monitor and Wait: Allow 2-12 months for the compost to fully break down, depending on the method (hot or cold composting).

Steps to Make Leaf Mold:
1. Collect Leaves: Gather fallen leaves from your yard or garden in the autumn.
2. Shred if Possible: Shred the leaves using a lawnmower or leaf shredder to speed up decomposition.
3. Pile or Bag: Create a pile of leaves in a designated area, or pack them into perforated garbage bags.
4. Keep Moist: Dampen the leaves lightly, ensuring they stay moist but not soggy.
5. Wait: Let the leaves sit undisturbed for 1-2 years, allowing fungi to break them down into leaf mold. (Or add a source of nitrogen to speed up)
6. Apply as Mulch: Use the finished leaf mold as a mulch around plants or mix it into your soil to improve structure and water retention.

Together, these methods build healthy, sustainable soil that supports abundant growth in your garden and greenhouse.