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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Rosyred on May 17, 2007, 22:38:06

Title: Weeds in the compost
Post by: Rosyred on May 17, 2007, 22:38:06
No I have been putting everything on my compost heap but is this true do not put weeds on as your get more when you use it?
Title: Re: Weeds in the compost
Post by: Eristic on May 18, 2007, 01:15:54
It is best to avoid perennial weeds like bindweed, couchgrass etc as these can survive and flourish in a compost heap but the majority of weeds should be composted. The secret is to have a good heap that gets nice and hot so that any seeds get cooked. Turning the heap every 2-3 months will help.
Title: Re: Weeds in the compost
Post by: tim on May 18, 2007, 06:35:47
And even if the annual seeds don't get cooked, there are more latent seeds in your plot than you'll ever produce from your compost.
Title: Re: Weeds in the compost
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on May 18, 2007, 07:43:10
I just put everything on. When i was starting, I did have a few massive roots that came though, but everything except the bindweed was easily picked out. A few bits did make it back into the garden, but they were all so weakened that none of them managed to establish itself. It's all long dead, and nothing survives now.
Title: Re: Weeds in the compost
Post by: daxzen on May 19, 2007, 19:50:49
Kill couchgrass and other pernicious roots by drowning them is a water butt

Creates a nutricious fertiliser too

It really does work


Title: Re: Weeds in the compost
Post by: saddad on May 20, 2007, 10:26:35
As Tim says just cultivating the ground releases thousands of weed seeds.. I have field and long headed Poppies, scarlet pimpernel and both speedwells. Some I let self seed as I like them!
;D