Misconceptions of Composting Eucalyptus Leaves

• One common misconception that has been thoroughly discussed is the idea that because of the eucalyptus plants' toxicity, it should not be composted. It has been determined that the eucalyptus plant has earned its negative reputation because of the large number of leaves that blanket the surrounding area preventing other plant growth. The eucalyptus plant can safely be composted and used as a fertilizer for flower and vegetable gardens.
  
  

Types of Composting

• Various types of composting methods are conducive to composting eucalyptus leaves and tree bark. Rolling composting bins work to effectively reduce the amount of eucalyptus waste, as do traditional open air composting containers. Vermicomposting is another composting method that works well to reduce eucalyptus waste.
  
  

Benefits of Composting Eucalyptus

• It is possible to save money by composting eucalyptus leaves and using the resulting organic matter as a flower and vegetable garden fertilizer. The resulting mulch can also be used throughout the yard as a personal landscaping product. As more organic materials are turned into compost lesser amounts of waste is deposited into landfills every day. Composted materials generally contain high levels important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc that are also important in plant growth.
  
  

Materials Needed to Compost Eucalyptus

• To begin composting eucalyptus leaves, you need to have either an area designated for a composting pile or a composting bin. The eucalyptus leaves should be layered with other organic materials to encourage the process of decomposition. Other materials that are beneficial include shredded newspaper, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and egg shells. The composting pile also needs to have adequate moisture, either from rainfall or another source such as a garden hose.
  
  

Time Frame for Generating Eucalyptus Compost

• Once eucalyptus leaves have been added to a composting pile, the materials will generally be broken down and ready for use within six to eight weeks. The rate of decomposition can be affected by both the moisture content of the organic materials as well as by the availability of oxygen throughout the composting pile. Various microorganisms such as bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi work together throughout the composting materials to aid in the decomposition process. Composting with worms, also known as vermicomposting, is also an effective way to reduce eucalyptus waste.