Oak leaves are actually the fall season's gift to the composter. The mineral rich organic matter that trees shed to give us an all natural effective mulch in the winter and, once decomposed, extremely benefit to the soil. Shredding of the leaves adds to their decomposition and grass clippings mixed in adds nitrogen to help in the process of breaking the leaves down.  Leaves by themselves do not make the rich soil but they make leaf mold, a great soil addition. Leaf mold is a step past leaf mulch, leaves left in contact with the earth and its all natural microbes will slowly turn to leaf mold. Leaves vary in the amount of acidity that they add to the soil. Make sure to test your soil for the proper Ph before planting and add lime or other alkaline substances to make it correct. Leaves contain twice the mineral content of manure. Being they are a form of organic roughage, they improve drainage and aeration of the soil. Leaves provide nutrition for beneficial microbes making the soil come alive and thrive. An efficient way is to put all of the shredded leaves directly on the garden add a little chicken shit will help the carbon to nitrogen balance. Yeaaa to the chickens..the leaves could also be covered which conserves heat and moisture but they should be uncovered and turned to reduce matting of the leaves..in the spring it will all be a part of the soil, nutrient rich ,and ready for planting. 

Greenhouse beds using all natural earth worms

  When I put into place the beds in my greenhouse I used a combination of sphagnum peat moss and topsoil. I sent away to Uncle Jims Worm farm for red wiggler worms to add to the soil for the all natural fertilizer that these dynamic worms will produce upon composting. The results of using all natural is so beneficial to the plants and the soil. I have also added a small lily pond to keep the humidity as well as provide a habitat for the frogs that have arrived from outside. My next step in the Greenhouse is to start the seeds for the Carnivorous plants. I am also working on the irrigation system using the pond water that provides all natural emulsions that act as fertilizers. The all natural approach to growing plants and farming is also tied into our Earth that can provide resources that if balanced can sustain a beautiful all natural environment. Thank you to Uncle Jim's worm farm the red wigglers and for all of the great information that is on their website.www.unclejimswormfarm.com