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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: rdak on October 24, 2003, 14:11:04

Title: where can I buy leaf mould activator?
Post by: rdak on October 24, 2003, 14:11:04

Have searched local garden centres, DIY sheds and googled until I can't google no more...does anyone know where I can buy Biotal (or another brand) activator for making leaf mould? Online store or in Berkshire area please.
thanks

Title: Re: where can I buy leaf mould activator?
Post by: Hugh_Jones on October 24, 2003, 20:33:24

You shouldn`t need an activator for leafmould. Unlike compost containing fresh green leaves (which decompose through bacterial action)  autumn leaves are broken down by fungal activity, and the main necessities for this are (a) to get (and keep) them wet, and (b) to keep them in close contact with each other.

If you have a relatively small quantity then you can achieve both by cramming the leaves into plastic bags, filling the bags with water, tying them, and then, after a few days, making a few cuts in the bags to let out the surplus water.

If you have a lot then you would be better to make an enclosure of posts and chicken wire - preferrably about 4 ft deep. Pile the leaves into it, soaking them after each 12inch layer, and repeatedly pressing them down, then stick some sort of cover (wood, old carpet etc.) with a few bricks on top to weight it down.

The bag method will probably produce leafmould in 12 months or so, while the enclosure method will take a couple of years, but in neither case will an activator make much (if any) difference.

Title: Re: where can I buy leaf mould activator?
Post by: rdak on October 25, 2003, 10:42:20

thanks Hugh.
I know that the activator is not needed,but there seem to be a lot of testimony on other sites that it does speed things up.
I've found out that http://www.biotal.co.uk sell directly on their website, so will try a few bags with and a few without to see if there's any difference
thanks

Title: Re: where can I buy leaf mould activator?
Post by: Hugh_Jones on October 25, 2003, 16:41:23

Well! It`s your money! And somebody will be delighted to take it off you.

Title: Re: where can I buy leaf mould activator?
Post by: Palefire on October 25, 2003, 19:42:02

Just on the off chance, I put the clippings of my Forsythia hedge in a plastic bag a few months ago and pretty much left it to the elements as I had nothing to lose. The warmth of the summer and the water retaining properties of the bag must be working, as it is now about half the size it was. Haven't looked in it yet, but I am itching to do so!

Love, Palefire

xxx