Topic: rhubarb leaves

[debster]

I understand that rhubarb leaves are poisonous to humans but is it safe to compost them. i hope you say yes cos ive already done it and dont fancy digging around to get them out

[isbister]

Perfectly ok to compost them - been doing it for years...

[Fork]

So long as you are composting correctly and your "heap"cooks everything nicely then composting your rhubarb leaves is not a problem at all.

Why not make some rhubarb leaf insecticide instead of composting?

[debster]

how do i do that and what do i use it for

[Fork]

Basically you boil up a few pounds of rhubarb leaves in a few pints of water for about 15 or 20 minutes,
allow to cool,
then strain the liquid into a suitable container.
Dissolve some soap flakes in this liquid and use it to spray against aphids.

[Kepouros]

But don`t do it when the Euro-Police are looking.  Rhubarb leaf juice as an insecticide is neither approved by nor registered with our European Gauleiters, and its use (along with almost everything else that was any good) is therefor illegal.

[Robert_Brenchley]

They'll be banning gardening next. I've been composting the things for years, and it's never done any harm.

[isbister]

The spotty cringing wimps at Health and Safety are certain to ban bonfires any minute now on the grounds of secondary smoke inhalation

[teresa]

I am with Fork good insectaside,
I just use one leaf at a time cut up and cover with cold water bring to  boil and simmer cool and bottle. Do label it.
I was told to dulite it down ?
Do wash things afterwards well.
The leaves are a natural wormer for hens, they will eat them if they need it mine do and no harm comes to them.