Topic: Jerusalem artichokes in compost?

[caroline7758]

I've got some JA's which have been hanging around in the kitchen too long. Is it ok to put them in my compost bin? I know they are prolific growers and wondered if they would take over the bin?!

[Petera]

I expect they would, the grow like blazes when they get going.

[cornykev]

Dice them up first.  ;D ;D ;D

[saddad]

Don't do it Caroline!!!
 :-X

[caroline7758]

Are you sure? ;D ;D ;D

[saddad]

Absolutely they will grow from peelings...
 :o

[Eristic]

It rather depends on your compost bin. If placed near the top of an open type they will grow although I don't see that they would be a problem. If in a dalek they are not going to amount to anything significant in total darkness.

More to the point, Why are they withering away when they should be eaten?

[caroline7758]

I dug up more than we needed and didn't want to eat too many after all the horror stories on  here about the effects. Having said that, i've just sent both son and daughter back to uni with a load of them, so they could have some fun!

[killerflies]

How long is too long?

I was looking to do the same and thin kthat Ill need to put them out asap.

[Eristic]

Ideally the Jerusalems should only be dug up when you are ready to eat them. They keep best in the ground.

I've found that lifted roots store best if kept in plastic buckets with snap-on lids placed somewhere cool, outside is best. The sealed bucket keeps them fresh but the moment they warm up there will be new roots and shoots everywhere.

[Thegoodlife]

hello,

do you still have any ja left as  i have been looking for ages to get some :( but not found any, one root will do if you have one spare, only live at doncaster so i dont mind driving over to collect one ;D

[caroline7758]

Yes, i've got loads- was going to offer some on freecycle as that's where I got them from last year, but I'd be happy to post you a few. Send me a pm with your address. Can't guarantee how soon I'll get down there in this weather, mind!