When I first came here Iput in 4 fence posts about4 feet (1.20) apart and put wiremesh all round. Then I put all the small stuff, leaves, branches, kitchen peelings, and doggie do, in there, and ignore it. I use the resultant compost all round the garden. It is full of earthwormsthen. I have never liked to use it in pots as earthworms are in there then too. I guess from this thread that actually is ok, to have earthworms in potted mixes? Ina Ina Crossley Auckland New Zealand zone 10a On 9/12/2013 8:02 a.m., B Spencer wrote: > That is what I do on my property, but I just pile the leaves and leave them > there. I do not have the time and energy to do it the right way. They would > be frozen for a good chunk of the year. I do not think they have time to > heat up before our winters (zone 5 in Ontario). It takes about a year for > the leaves that are not shredded. Sometimes a bit more, but the shredded > stuff will be ready the following summer. > Bea