what weeds to compost

bmpsands · Post by **bmpsands** » 05 Jul 2012, 19:14

Our new place is over-run with goose grass, dandelions, nettles etc. I would like more greenery in my compost bin because a lot of what's going in there is being generated by the hens! However, will I be ensuring a good crop of weeds next year if I do this? My chooks eat dandelions and goose-grass but, in all fairness, there are only 4 of them and LOTS of weeds.

B

LittleBrownFrog · Post by **LittleBrownFrog** » 05 Jul 2012, 19:30

As long as you can keep your compost heap good and hot, then I don't see a problem with composting all that lot. Turn it often, add plenty of chicken waste & it should be fine.

bmpsands · Post by **bmpsands** » 06 Jul 2012, 18:07

Thank you. Chicken waste is no problem; heat seems OK but the ambient temperature isn't as good as it might be. The current bin is in a reasonably sunny spot so I hope for good things.

Stef · Post by **Stef** » 07 Jul 2012, 09:34

And, despite my moany post, any nasty perennials can be drowned. Put them in a bucket, cover with water, weight down (though I don't bother) cover with water and leave for a few days or weeks even.

The drowned greens can be composted (though I don't) and the resulting murk can be diluted at about 10 parts water to 1 'tea' and used as a general feed.

But it really does smell!

bmpsands · Post by **bmpsands** » 08 Jul 2012, 09:22

Stef - this sounds a very attractive proposition. I like the idea of drowning the rotten things. I'll need a number of buckets but fortunately it looks as though the previous owner of the house bred wheely bins - instead of the usual 3 we have 6 - so I suppose I could go for industrial scale drowning. Excellent! Thanks.