Are Oak Leaves NOT GOOD for the compost pile???

[ladybug]

I read somewhere that Oak Leaves are not good for the compost pile or as garden mulch?

[farmerpiper]

Oak Leaves are VERY GOOD mulching materials. I mix that with kitchen leftovers, and horse manure.

[Edward12]

My vegetable garden loves my Oak Leaves' mulch. I use them all year-round. It's better if you shred them because oak leaves contain Tannic Acid. This may influence the duration of breaking down of the leaves. You may add lime to increase the pH of your garden soil.

[george]

I haven't had any problems with Oak leaves, but I'd avoid walnut leaves or trimmings. Walnut has an oil called juglone that kills many different vegetables and flowers.

Even if you have a walnut tree way away from your garden, it's roots can spread and kill off other plants.

[Luna]

I know that oak leaves do take longer to break down that's why some people don't really use them for composting. Try shredding the leaves as much as you can before adding it to your pile. Also, mixing green leaves with the brown ones also help in breaking them down. I read somewhere that it's also better to use a hot pile rather than a cold one, but I've yet to try that.

[ladybug]

I am starting on my first hot composting now and although it hasn't reach the temperature desired for faster decomposition, it is building up to that level.

I may try my hand at vermicomposting soon.