Should I bin these lovely fallen leaves?
QI am very keen to compost all the remaining fallen leaves. Could I use a plastic bin for the leaves if I made holes in the bottom?
Gloria Taylor, via email
ABy all means use your black plastic dustbin for making leafmould. After making 1in (2cm) holes, 6in (15cm) apart in the base and sides, sit the bin on a circle of about eight bricks.
Initially, cover the bin base with chopped twigs or some other coarse organic waste, before filling the container with leaves. Make sure they are damp so that they decompose effectively.
When the bin is full, place a paving slab or some bricks on top to compress the leaves and encourage them to rot down quickly. Top up the bin when decay causes leaves to sink.
There is no need to add a compost accelerator but, if you do, it will speed up the breakdown of leaves into humus.