"Earthworms will be present in a good compost pile," she adds. According to Turner, "If it is done well, a 3-foot pile can be ready in two to three weeks. Consider making leaf mold if you don't ...

Most leaves can be turned into leaf mould, but some take longer to compost than others. Oak, alder and hornbeam will soon rot down, while sycamore, beech, horse chestnut and sweet chestnut take a ...