compost

[ChrisG]

Today we have dug a load of weeds out of the veg-plot-to-be. These include nettles (and their horrible matted roots), buttercups, dandelions and many thistles (not flowering, or even trying yet). Now obviously the nettle roots cannot go on the compost heap, but what, if anything, of the other stuff can be composted? Or are we better just burning the lot?

[LittleBrownFrog]

It depends on how hot your compost heap is. I wouldn't compost that lot at the moment, because I know my bins are sluggish. Once the weather warms up & I've had the chance to turn everything & get it going again, then I'd compost it.

[ChrisG]

Nothing at all in mine at the moment - it will be starting from scratch.

[LittleBrownFrog]

Then I would burn that lot & start with something 'safer'

[ChrisG]

Thanks LBF

[Stef]

Am I too late?

Don't throw them away!

Drown them and then use the water as feed. But keep a lid on it cos it really really smells.

Drowned bits can eventually be added to the compost heap.

There are a couple that should just be burned, Ask Organic have a short list
http://www.askorganic.co.uk/composting/Weeds,%20how%20to%20compost.htm

[ChrisG]

No, you're not too late. The way the weather has been here lately, they are drowned already! But I know what you mean! Thanks for the info

[HappyBob]

Going off topic a little RuthG, depending on the amount of nettles you pulled out and the size of your plot. Nettles do well in an acid soil so it may so may need a little lime adding. A cheap soil testing kit would confirm either way. Of course potatoes will still do well in a slightly acid soil.