Topic: Compost!

[Ceri]

so with this leafmould thing - presumably there is no reason why I can't wander round my local streets in autumn with a black bag and pick up dropped leaves as I don't have enough trees to make a decent amount.  It would give the neighbours a laugh if nothing else.

[allotment_chick]

Yo Ceri - caution.  Pollution is an issue with leaves collected from public highways.  If you can, find some very quiet, out of the ways roads or farm tracks - that might be better.

We need Hugh or Tim's advice here, as I'm not sure if the pollutants are broken down or concentrated in the decomposition process (I guess the lead problem isn't as bad as it was...)

Got any seaweed yet?

[Suze_O]

Looking through old book re green manuring and compst it recommends growing Tagetes minuta (giant marigold) for putting on compost heap, and it is supposed to kill eel worm, wipe out ground elder, couch grass and bindweed.

Anyone ever heard of this?  

[legless]

ooh that sounds like magic suze, haven't heard of it myself but i'd be keen to hear if it works...

[Suze_O]

Well if it did work it would be a miracle drug in garden terms.  I am plagued with bindweed in certain areas.

Will have a little google in a mo to see if can obtain further info.

Definitely going to get some comfrey - although loads in the hedgerows round here.

[gavin]

Me too - I like the sound of the tagetes minuta!  I'll give it a go - and if it don't work, nothing lost, bar the price of a packet of seed.

All best - Gavin

[Suze_O]

Just had a quick look at the RHS site and it says it supplements rather than replaces control, so there must be something in it.  Will have to do further research.  Evidently they also smell awful as well!

[gavin]

But then so do I after a couple of hours hard labour, so I probably won't notice!!!!!!