Vermicomposting autumn leaves
Dried autumn leaves are excellent and highly suitable ‘brown’ material for your Bonter vermicomposter. They provide valuable carbon, contribute to an airy structure, and help regulate moisture. A free and ideal base for your worm bin, especially collected during the autumn months.
Can autumn leaves go in your worm bin?
Yes, absolutely! Dried autumn leaves are very suitable for vermicomposting. They are a rich source of carbon (‘brown’ material), essential for balancing nitrogen-rich food waste (‘green’ material). Leaves help absorb moisture, improve aeration, and provide an airy structure in the bin, which is crucial for a healthy ecosystem for your worms. Leaves with a lot of tannin (such as from oaks and beeches) break down somewhat slower than other types (such as from fruit trees or maples).
How many autumn leaves can you add?
Autumn leaves can be added regularly and in generous quantities to your Bonter, preferably shredded or crumbled. They are a perfect basic bedding material. Make sure you always add enough ‘brown’ material (such as leaves, cardboard, paper, dried grass) to balance the amount of ‘green’ food waste. Autumn leaves are excellent for creating a new layer of bedding or for adding if the bin gets too wet or lacks structure. Collect them in the autumn for use throughout the year.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Autumn leaves are so suitable and useful as ‘brown’ material and bedding in the Bonter that you should ideally save them for that purpose! They contribute significantly to a healthy and well-performing compost bin. If for some reason you have an exceptionally large amount of leaves, they can also be used on a traditional compost heap as structural material. Mulching around plants in the garden is also a good option. Above all, ensure that leaves do not rot in a pile without aeration or mixing.
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Tips for composting leaves
Crumble or shred autumn leaves (by hand or with a machine) before adding them. This increases the surface area and significantly speeds up decomposition. Moisten the leaves by mixing them with wet food waste or burying them under the moist bedding in the bin; dry material composts slowly. Mix the leaves well with the waste and existing bedding to add structure and aeration throughout. Avoid leaves from diseased plants or leaves with a thick, waxy layer. The Bonter’s air filter helps with odours, but a good mix of brown and green, and sufficient aeration (which leaves help with), prevents problems.
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Frequently asked questions about vermicomposting leaves
Can autumn leaves go in the worm bin?
Yes, dried autumn leaves are excellently suitable as ‘brown’ material and bedding.
Should I make leaves smaller?
Do all types of leaves break down at the same speed?
How many autumn leaves can I add?
Do leaves serve as food or as structure?
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