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I have been mulching the ground round my Sweetcorn plants with my Privet Hedge clippings but have been told they are poisonous and that I shouldn't be using them in this way. I intended to dig them in eventually but now wonder if I should remove them asap. I have been putting my hedge clipping in the compost bin for years without problems.

Another plot holder I know who runs his plot on No Dig lines gets tons of garden waste from local gardeners which must include lots of Privet and he hasn't keeled over yet!.

Thanks, Sandringham.

I don't think they co any harm as long as you don't actually eat them

Privet is poisonous but if well shredded and composted down correctly it is fine.

Who in their right mind eats privet?

I remember that we used to fold the leaves and make a strange type whistle out of them when i was a kid. It was quite common to chew on them too. I am a bit worried now i've heard they are poisonous...lol...

Thanks for that guys. Seems like another case of over reaction again to the fact that life isn't 100% germ free, poison free, accident free, danger free, etc etc. No wonder we are breeding a generation of kids who are growing up afraid to step outside their own front door! I found one women on the net who was hell bent on ripping out 150 yards of Privet because she was pregnant and had heard it was deadly  ::)

Sandringham

Privet is poisonous if you eat it. That is not what you intend to do, so I shouldn't worry about it. ;)

Quote from: Eristic on August 03, 2008, 20:56:38
Who in their right mind eats privet?

Stick insects  ;D

Quote from: Eristic on August 03, 2008, 20:56:38
Who in their right mind eats privet?

honey bees do and it makes !!!xxxxxx!!! honey  ;D

it is such a debate as to what is poisonous and what isn't - spuds are, but we love them, it is a fine line

I've heard all sorts about poisonous or bad-tasting honey from privet (I don't think it's actually poisonous; try rhododendron for that), but I actually like it.

My guinea pigs would eat it if it fell in their run when OH cuts the hedge.
Janet.