Leaf mould at WeGrowOrganic
Autumn leaves into fungal-rich gold
Leaf mould is the crumbly, dark, fungal compost that forms when autumn leaves break down slowly on their own — the single best soil conditioner you can make for free.
It takes patience (12–24 months) but the result is unbeatable: a spongy, moisture-holding mulch that transforms tired beds and feeds fruit trees, ferns and shade plantings.
- 01
Rake up autumn leaves as they fall.
- 02
Pile them in a wire cage or bag them loosely.
- 03
Wet the pile down thoroughly.
- 04
Leave alone for 12 months for a rough mulch.
- 05
Leave for 24 months for finished leaf mould.
- 06
Screen and use as a mulch, potting mix ingredient or soil conditioner.
Portfolio
Inside our compost systems
Benefits
Why this method works
- The best natural soil conditioner
- Massive moisture-holding capacity
- Rich in fungal biology
- Zero-cost — just leaves and time
- Improves any soil type
- Perfect potting mix ingredient
Why choose WeGrowOrganic
Cape Town-made, soil-first
- ✔Free from any garden with trees
- ✔Unbeatable soil conditioner
- ✔Fungal biology hot spot
- ✔The gardener's secret weapon
Perfect for
Where it goes to work
- Fruit trees
- Ferns & shade plants
- Seed-raising mixes
- Woodland gardens
- Sandy Cape Town soils
- Long-term soil building
Slow gold
The best mulch you'll ever make.
Leaf mould takes a year or two to make and pays back for a decade — every autumn's leaves become next year's soil.