This is a good way to make use of the partially decomposed materials found when turning a heap. Simply apply a layer of compost around individual vegetable or flower plants, fruit trees, or berry bushes. Be sure to keep dense mulches out of direct contact with the base of the plant to avoid fungus problems. Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by partially filling a watering can with compost, then topping off with water to make an amber colored liquid. The watering can may be refilled several times before a substantial amount of nutrients are used.
Leaves are also valuable for their textural addition to soil.
Dry leaves should be crushed or shredded to speed decom-position and to prevent blowing and matting. Leaves can be used as a mulch without first composting. You may wish to add a nitrogen supplement before mulching to avoid a deficiency. Oak leaves make an especially good mulch or compost for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and blueberries. Avoid the use of black walnut leaves because of the presence of juglone, a substance which hinders crop plant growth.