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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: debster on June 28, 2007, 16:09:07

Title: rhubarb leaves
Post by: debster on June 28, 2007, 16:09:07
I understand that rhubarb leaves are poisonous to humans but is it safe to compost them. i hope you say yes cos ive already done it and dont fancy digging around to get them out
Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: isbister on June 28, 2007, 16:19:32
Perfectly ok to compost them - been doing it for years...
Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: Fork on June 28, 2007, 16:29:44
So long as you are composting correctly and your "heap"cooks everything nicely then composting your rhubarb leaves is not a problem at all.

Why not make some rhubarb leaf insecticide instead of composting?
Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: debster on June 28, 2007, 16:54:12
how do i do that and what do i use it for

Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: Fork on June 28, 2007, 16:56:56
Basically you boil up a few pounds of rhubarb leaves in a few pints of water for about 15 or 20 minutes,
allow to cool,
then strain the liquid into a suitable container.
Dissolve some soap flakes in this liquid and use it to spray against aphids.
Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: Kepouros on June 28, 2007, 23:13:51
But don`t do it when the Euro-Police are looking.  Rhubarb leaf juice as an insecticide is neither approved by nor registered with our European Gauleiters, and its use (along with almost everything else that was any good) is therefor illegal.
Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on June 29, 2007, 08:18:21
They'll be banning gardening next. I've been composting the things for years, and it's never done any harm.
Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: isbister on June 29, 2007, 16:14:20
The spotty cringing wimps at Health and Safety are certain to ban bonfires any minute now on the grounds of secondary smoke inhalation
Title: Re: rhubarb leaves
Post by: teresa on June 30, 2007, 13:16:21
I am with Fork good insectaside,
I just use one leaf at a time cut up and cover with cold water bring to  boil and simmer cool and bottle. Do label it.
I was told to dulite it down ?
Do wash things afterwards well.
The leaves are a natural wormer for hens, they will eat them if they need it mine do and no harm comes to them.