Compost it or burn?

[scoobysnax]

I've been clearing an overgrown plot thats been full from front to back with brambles. All the top stuffs off and I've managed to gather up most of the dead undergrowth. I'm left with small/tiny twigs (dead stuff) and shreded dead bramble leaves on the floor. So I'm wondering can this be used in a compost bin (obviously not all at once) or should i burn it with the rest of the brambles?


                                      Cheers
                                                  Scoobs

[scoobysnax]

[kt.]

If it were me - I would burn it then start with a clean slate for composting stuff from scratch.  I burnt most of my jungle when I first took on my plot.

[Borlotti]

I think I would burn it but I do love bonfires.  Can't wait until we are allowed one, must look up my regs. from the Council.  I don't think anything would burn today as we have had very heavy rain.  I have got piles of horse/maretail which I will certainly be burning.  Perhaps Nov 5 would be a good day to have a bonfire and then I will not get fined if the wind blows the smoke to the gardens nearby.  Can I compost rhubarb leaves or should I burn them.  Anyone know.

[GodfreyRob]

I compost everything I can. Rhubarb stalks/leaves are fine - just as long as there are other things to mix it with. Every weed has something to contribute - and after all whatever is in the weed came from your soil, so I don't want to waste it.

Even if some things don't rot in the first year I just put it back in for another go. Just about everything will rot eventually ;)

[Buster54]

If it were me I would burn it all,then start a fresh compost with less woody items(they don't take as long to decompose as twigs),but its all down to each individuals choice. ;D

[Borlotti]

I don't think I will risk composting my mares/horse tail as I trying to get it under control.  I have been digging, pulling and chopping but haven't used weed killer.  I will take great pleasure in burning it.

[thifasmom]

From what I saw of your plot :o in your other posts, I would burn it too and use the ash in your beds prior to planting as there would be lots of potash in it that would benefit the coming crops.

For other things in smaller quantities such as horsetail, bindweed perennial weed roots and anything that might want to root in the heap, I would but it into black plastic bag or similar container add a little water and leave in a corner to turn into sludge, when they have rotted down into said sludge with no chance of growing again, I throw onto the compost heap.

''so weeds you feel lucky, punk''  >:(

On another note I also compost my rhubarb, but also use it as an insecticide on my brassicus, quite effective. http://www.rhubarbinfo.com/rhubarb-uses.html#TOC71

I took to long to use it on my runner beans and then was afraid to cause I didn't want to also kill the host of ladybirds and their larvae that showed up to eat the blackfly. Next year I will be more prompt cause although there are tones of ladybirds and their larvae, the blackfly still won hands down, resulting in a poor crop. But I have put a homemade ladybird box near by so they will overwinter in the vege garden.

Anywaaaay enough waffling keep up the good work and don't forget to send in photos so we can see your progress.