Topic: Compost

[TheEssexYorkshireman]

I read somewhere that you shouldn't put potato peelings into your compost bin because they are likely to grow and if there are any diseases present they could be transferred to your plot/garden. What do others do? I've found that not including these peelings has a big effect on how much green waste I generate.

Thanks
Stephen

[cornykev]

Hi Steve, some do some don't, I put mine in but keep mixing it regularly, others put it in a black bag and add it when it goes mushy, once they've been in the bin they won't transfer disease they just start chitting again thats why I mix and bash them about.  ;D ;D ;D

[Robert_Brenchley]

If they do grow, they won't last long. Give them plenty of time to rot down, and don't worry. I get loads growing in mine, but they all die in the end.

[kt.]

I put peelings in but not the green top leaves.   Most composting queries are fully answered here:

http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/

[redimp]

I put the lot in.  Any diseases (blight) don't survive the composting process and any that try to grow don't get very far.  But then again, when it comes down to what to and what not to compost, RB and I are usually in agreement.

[bupster]

What about tomatoes, are they ok?

[Old bird]

Hi Bupster

I don't put tomatoes in because they set seed everywhere and the composting process doesn't kill the seed!

Having said that they aren't difficult to pull out when they do grow - but i HATE the smell of tomato plants!

Old Bird

 ;D

[Robert_Brenchley]

Put the compost to good use while it's cold enough to kill them. I put grass mulch over the top of mine.