Leaf Mould
Leaves, when thoroughly decayed, so that they readily separate into small particles, constitute what is termed Leaf Mould, a valuable manure in many instances, especially on heavy soils, and one of the most important ingredients for the soil used in the successful cultivation of the majority of pot plants. If of good quality, and free from injurious fungoid growths, it may be used freely, particularly with tender seedlings and cuttings of soft-wooded subjects. The production of roots, in young plants of this description, is induced and accelerated with more certainty by planting in the material under notice than by the use of any other. The quality of Leaf Mould depends very materially on the sort of leaves composing it, and in the manner of preparation adopted. The best leaves are those collected from a wood, or other place, where the principal trees are Beech and Oak, and where their leaves fall over a large surface each year, and naturally decay slowly until those beneath the surface become changed into a light mould. In many instances, such Leaf Mould cannot be obtained, on account of the necessary removal of the leaves to preserve tidiness; but, on the other hand, its importance and additional value over that artificially prepared is insufficiently recognised in many places where quantities might be collected in woods. Leaf Mould of good quality may be used to the extent of about one-third in composts for Azaleas, greenhouse Rhododendrons, and many fine-rooted hard-wooded plants of this description. It may, with advantage, be freely incorporated along with peat in the preparation of beds for nearly all Ericaceous plants outside. Further, nothing is better suited for improving flower-beds, or for adding to soil of any description for placing round trees, shrubs, or plants, whose roots it is desired to encourage. If leaves have to be gathered into a heap for Leaf Mould, a place should be selected where they may be spread rather thinly, so as to avoid any excessive heating by fermentation. The whole should be turned over occasionally, so as to expose all parts in turn to the influence of the weather and air. Where air cannot reach leaves that are of a somewhat hard, dry texture, their decay is exceedingly slow, unless there are other substances intermixed to hasten decomposition. Water may be applied artificially for the purpose, but it never has the same effect as rain; and if a large heap is made, this latter cannot penetrate far into the interior. Leaves should be collected free from sticks, if possible, as these are liable to encourage fungoid growths, which, finding a suitable medium for increasing in the Leaf Mould, will, in due course, render it useless for plant cultivation. The time taken in reducing leaves to a mould or fine soil depends greatly on the amount of turning over, and other attention devoted to the preparation. Much may be done in one year, or even less; but the quality is usually better if a longer time than this is allowed.