Leaf mould is a way to keep fallen leaves working in the garden, even where there is little room for a compost heap. It is a gradual process rather than an instant product. Choose a discreet place for the collection and think about how you will eventually use it.
Use a bag when space is limited
The RHS describes making leaf mould in perforated bags as well as in a dedicated enclosure. The leaves need moisture, and different leaf types break down at different speeds. This makes a small bag a useful starting point if you cannot set aside a permanent corner. Avoid regarding every fallen leaf as identical; check the original guidance for tougher leaves, evergreen material and the condition of the finished leaf mould.
Match your expectations to the leaves
Gardeners’ World separates leaves that break down readily from tougher types that take longer, and suggests grouping similar material. Its guide also describes leaf mould as a material for mulching and potting mixes. Keep a simple label on your collection so you remember what went in and when. Judge the result by its condition and intended use, not by a promise that every bag will be ready on the same date.
gardenersworld.com · Gardeners’ World · Choosing leaves for mould