Speed Up Leaf Composting with Nitrogen Fertilizer

Simple Trick: Add Nitrogen to Your Leaf Pile

Dried leaves are carbon-rich but nitrogen-poor, slowing decomposition. Adding a nitrogen source jump-starts microbial activity.

Easy Recipe

• For a pile 3 ft high × 4 ft wide, mix in 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer.
• Stir lightly and dampen the layers as you build.
• Turn occasionally to introduce oxygen.

Bacteria and fungi will rapidly break down the leaves into rich, dark compost. No special "compost starter" products needed—just fertilizer and moisture.